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98 WILLIAM STREET, N. Y., April 12, 1882.

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Ten Cents a. Copy.
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The Scarlet Schooner;

03,

THE NEMESIS OF THE SEA.

A Romance of Salt Water, and a Sequel
to “ Don Diablo.”

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM,
AUTHOR on “DON mum," “rim 0mm}:
comm,” “ lmRLE, ran murmurs,” “ MON-

mums, THE memes," ETC.,

' CHAPTER. 1.
THE DOOMED CARAVEL.

Tm: wind howls along the waters, lashing
them into a tempest, and hurling giant waves
upon the beautiful shores of Cuba, with a force
that makes the very rocks tremble.

The teathergspalm and cocoa trees bend like
bows to the b t, and theair is filled with light

ETC.

 

objects that the storm-fiend drives along with
relentless fury.

Heavy clouds, ink in their blackness, hang
likea huge funerea gall upon the ocean, and
iweep landward wit the speed of a race-

orse.

Blue, vivid lightning plays with ghastly effect
upon the wild waters, and bursts of thunder
roll overhead, to add to N ature’s fleroe anger
and make up the terrible discord of the hurri—
cane.

Thouth the sun has not yet set, the day seems
like nig t-time in its gloom.

And yet, upon the seething bosom of the wild
waters, avessel is visible, strugglin with the
agonK of a human being to save itse if from the
clutc of death.

it is a small craft, acetul as a swan, and of
the class known in uban waters as a three-
masted caravel ,' but under the blast of the re—
lentless tornado her slender masts are stripped
of canvas, and she is driving before the gale
under bare poles. ‘

Upon her decks a score of men are visible,

5%

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lashed to bulwarks and rigging, and doing all
in their power to save their vessel.

Stern, resolute, and with his eyes fixed alter-
nately upon his vessel and the storm, stands a
man who seemingly disdains to lash himself to
the taii’ruil or wheel to save his life, but clings
to the latter with one hand, that the mad waves
cannot wrench otl’. -

N o dread rests on his dark, handsome face, as
to what may be his fate, but rather a look of
utter recklessness.

Turning his dark eyes landward he suddenly
discovers through the driving storm a ruined
quinta with its grayish-white walls appearing
above the bending palms upon the higb'ts, while
further inland is a puebla, or villa, its strong
walls and turrets standing firm against the
hurricane’s rude shocks.

“Jose, these mod waters and the driving
tempest have deceived me, for we are more than
a league nearer shore than I believed.”

The voice of the speaker was calm and his
manner shawed not t at he felt the worst must
come, for he even smiled as he saw the startled

mm WAS SOMETHING SO APPALLING IN HIS DEFIANCE 0F FATE AT SUCH A TIME THAT JOSE MORENA TREMBLED WITH HORROR.

 

2

look 11 on the face of the one he addressed, and
who, t ouch firmly lashed to the wheel, clung
to it with Both hands. .

“Oh, senor, is there any hope!” gasped the
man who wore anundress Arderican uniform.

“ I fear not, Jose Morena for do you see you-
der cint of land far ahead ”

“ es, senor.” .

“ Well, that is a rocky arm that extends far
out into the sea, and forms the bay upon our
Kort bow, and we are Scudding 'directly upon
1

“But, senor captain, something can be done
to save us " cried the man, eagerly.

“I sho (1 like to know what, for every stitch
of our canvas has been blown to ribbons, and if
we had any, nothing would hold against this
tornado, and onder reef of rocks alone can
check our ma flight through these seething
waters.”

“ And then—l" ,

“ Why, the caramel will be knocked into
kinidling wood,”'said the other, with a reckless
am e.

“ And what will become of us, senor?"

I. “ liar myself only will I speak, Jose; Ishall

1/118. .

“ And poor Jose Morena, senor?” groaned the
other.

“ You and the rest will die, good Jose, but I
will not,” was the cool reply.

And hardly had the words left his lips when
a mountain wave came pouring over the vessel
in a deep cascade, a roaring waterfall of many
feet, sweeping forward with a force and fury
that were terrific. .

And amid the roar of waters, the roll of
thunder and the bowling winds, was heard the
agoniged cry of man for help that could not be
given, for mercy the relentless elements would
not show, for life that must be lost.

The carnival, after a desperate effort, shook
off the vast weight of water, and rose buoyant-
ly to the surface, but one-half of her crew had
been swept away, her half—dozen guns had been
torn from their ashings and dashed through the
stout bulwarks into the sea.

But the dark-faced, stern captain’s ripe yet
remained firm, and his clutch upon t e wheel
was the same as before the monster wave swept
down u on the devoted craft. .

And ose Morena’s life also was safe, but his
face was as pallid as a cornea, and seeing it the
ca tain gave a light laugh, and said:

‘Jose, half of my men went to the devil on
that wave, and I thought you would be torn off,
too; but our time will soon come."

“The irgin preserve me, sefior; I am no
coward. in battle, or in facing m fellow-man,
but when brought face to face wit God's anger,
my sins cause me to tremble in terror. Oh that
there were a padre here to absolve us.”

“I ask no absolution at any man’s hands or
lips, Jose Morena.

“ When I die it shall be as I have lived, with-
out fear.”

“ Ohl captain, do not be thus defiant in this
awful hour,” pleaded the man.

“ Don’t preach to me, Jose Morena; you may
follow after your companions and perish, but I
shall not die.

“No, no, there is too much unfinished work
in the world for me to do yet, and it is not my
fate to perish now.

“By and b , when I have lived my allotted
space, but no now, not now.”

He spoke more to himself than to his com-
panion and there was something so afipalling
in his defiance of Fate at such a ime t
Morena trembled with horror, and muttered:

“We are sure to be lost, senor; there can be
no he .” I

“ Not I, man; on, yes, and the caramel will
go to pieces, but here are other vessels as fleet;
all of my crew will become food for fishes, but
there are other men as brave, and ere long I
will again sail the blue waters with a strange
craft and strange seamen to man her, and ask
no odds of wind and wave."

“Jew Maria 1’" murmured Jose, in a trem-
bling voice.

“Thy prayers will not aid thee, Jose Mo-
rena.”

“ ray for on, tryca tain.”

“ ngp your’érayers for? yourself, then, for I
need them not. '

“ Then I shall cling to thee, good senor, when
the shock does come: on. see, 811', there rises the
cliff ahead, and bark! how the sea dashes upon
it, and the wind howlsso mournfully. ,

“Ohfieaven have mercy! oh, captain! oh!
good seflorl wo are-lost,,lostl”

. He fairly shrieked the last words,'as another
huge wayeboarded the drivin vess and his
vorce mingled with the deat shfle of his
comrades’who were swept aw‘aey.

at once more the carat rose from the
sur 9, and again drove forward with a speed

the was ter . ‘ .

The daring man who had been so defiant in
the face of death, still stood at his post, and
Jose Morena also clung to the wheel, though it
had cracked beneath their weight and the de-
lu e of waters hurled upon it.

lancing forward, after dashin

the spray
from his eyes, the captain sdzed

ose Morena

atJose,

The Scarlet Schooner.

 

by the shoulder and pointed to the crewless
i geeks, while he cried, in an almost exultant
one:

“See! my crew have gone, Jose Morena, and
we two alone remain; and you will die, in spite
of your prayers and your clingin grasp, for
we are driving strai ht upon the po nt of rocks.

“The tornado he] s us in its grasp, and- this
craft is but the toy of Destiny.”

He ceased speaking, and glanced ,out over the
fearful scene, for, though daylight, .the dark«
ness of twilight was upon the sea. ,

The annual, with its wheel lashed; and with-
out an inch of canvas, was driving over the sea
before the tornado, and not half aleague away
rose the eninsula which jutting out from the
mainlan in the shape of a bent arm, formed a
bay inland, and into which the vessel had driven
before the wind.

And as he gazed, his ‘face still reckless and
resolute, and poor Jose Morena oaned in
agony, there came another iant we of water
upon the devoted little vesse . .

“Now, Jose Morena, our time has come,”
shouted the defiant captain, and in answer there
arose the piercin cry:

“Mercy, captain! ohl Jesu Maria save mel
save—" ‘ ‘

There was a snapping of wood, a roaring of
waters, howling o winds, and the wave swept
on, and lyion its bosom, vainly struggling for
life, was ose Morena.

And he who had said he would not die?

Stood against the shattered wheel, clinging
with one hand, while the other hung useless at
his side for it had be nbroken above the elbow.

Grimiy smiling, he muttered:

“ I told him he would die; but, even with this
broken arm I shall live.

“ Now for the last struggle. ”,

Releasing the wheel as he spoke, he suddenly
sprung into the sea, just as the caravel bounded
high upward as though to leap the rocky bar-
rier beneath her bows, and came down with a
crash that shivered her strong hull into frag-
ments, while the mad waves roared, the thun-
ders rolled, and the wind shrieked, as, though in
a laughing chorus at the wreck and death the
tornado had caused to those who dared face
its fury.

CHAPTER II.
nun; SABINAS. '

SOME forty leagues from the city of Havana,
and on the southern shore of Cu 8., there is a.
p‘ifturesque bay, indented with numerous rocky
in ets.

No town is visible 'upon its shores, and the
only craft that visits the secluded spot are the
co ee droghers of the plantations along the
coast, and the waters are occasionally enlivened
by a prett pleasure yacht, belonging to some
of the pue las that here and there dot the scene
landward.

Upon the point of land the earthen arm that
forms the shelter to the bay, and curves out a
league into the sea, stands an old ruin, one of
the guard-towers used by the Spaniards long
years before. '

Within the arch of this ruin were two 
sons, one of whom was reclining in a Mex can
hammock, swung between the tower walls,
' ile the-other sat upon an embroidered mat
upon the stone flooring engaged in some piece
of fancy-Work, which was occasionally inter“
rupted to give the swinging couch a'gentle push
to kee it in motion.

The. the two stood in the relationship of mis-
tress and mai there could be no doubt, and
yet there seemed to he that familiarity between

hem which a superior of a kindly nature will.
ever hold toward a-trusted servitor. .
The one in the hammock ‘was a maiden who
’had scarcely reached her sixteenth year 'and
at, under the warm Southern sun of the
.' ever faithful isle,” had already budded forth
into loveliest womanhood, for her form was a
model of beauty and symmetry. '

Her face was bronzed, at the complexion
was exquisite, and each eature was rfect,
and, in spite of her youth, character 0 a high
order was stamped upon mouth, chin and brow.

Her eyes were la 9, strikin 1y so melting
one moment with so ess, an flashing the
next, if excited, with all the dark intensity of
her nature.

One who would idolize instead of love, and
whose hate would be as undying as an Indian’s.
Nita Sabinascertainly was one to forgive al-
mos an wrong of the one she adored, but if
wro go by a devotion of that idol to another,
one to bccome a Nemesis in her avenging pas-
snon. ‘

Attired in -a soft, silky dress, with one tiny,
slippered foot half-hanging from the hammoc ,
her wealth of inky hair, escaped from its ivor
comb, falling u n the mat beneath, her a gui-
.tarin -her ban and a discarded portfolio of
drawing by her side the lovely Cuban maiden
swung and fro, Handy running her fingers
over the strin s of e instrument, and et
seemingly buil mg castles in the air, for er
though seemed not with the scene and the
present.

Alena, her maid, was a few years older and

 

 

 

an octoroon, with the blood of the Indian, the

first rulers of the isle, the negro and the white
man in her veins.

She also possessed marked beauty, and the
hand of slavery upon her had not marred her

.brow, or taken from the brightness of her eyes

or the roundness and ace of her; form.
A potted domestic s e was~dressed neatly and

,with taste, and her ears were hung with (lan

zling ems and her fingers were ornamented
with ngs, evidently gifts from her fair young
mistress and the household she served. ,
“Alena, I am tired of this gluitar, I set my
sketching aside half-finished, do not ike my
hammock, and feel strangely out of sorts to-

da . .

iXVVhat ails me?" and the beautiful maiden
sprung out of the hammock and turned to her
maid to answer the ‘vexed question.

In perfect Spanish Alena re lied, also rising:

“I fear it is the weather, or there is a tor-
nado brewing, Senorita Nina,” and she cast her
eyes around the horizon of sea and land.

“Oh, that would be delightful, for I have so
longed to Witness a hurricane from this ruined
quinta," said Senorita Sabinas, joyfully, and
after casting a look over the‘wators she con—
tinued:

“ You are right Alena, for there rises a dark
cloud yonder; and see, far off on the horizon ii
a sail; the Virgin Mother protect it if el tornado
strikes it.”

“I hope it may not be your brother‘s, Don
Isadoro‘s, golcta, sefiorita."

“ Heaven grant not, Alena; but it lies he—
calmcd upon the waters, and whoever sails her
must take the chances of life and death."

" Ah! what dangerous lives these sailors lead:
if I were to be a sailor's bride, Alena, I would
never let him leave me- no, no, I would face the
dun ers of the deep with him.”

“ ut, Senorita Nita will not be a sailor’s
bride,” said Alena, in a low tone.

“ Ah mel I an pose not, as my father has al-
ready told me must marry Don Basilio Lu
Ror ue.

“ wish I w as a poor girl, Alena, and not the
daughter of the wealthy planter Don Carlos Sn
binas, and then I would be allowed to marry
where my heart led me.”

As though the thought was annoying, she
patted the ground with her little foot for an
instant, and then turning, threw herself down
upon a mossy bank without the tower, and said
pettishly: , ‘

“ l’ll resume my sketching, Alena; bring me
my portfolio.”

The maid obeyed, and Nita opened it upon a
half-finished sketch, most artistically executed,
of the scene spread out before her. ,

Resuming her pencil, she gazed upon the pic-
turesque view, full of grandeur and beauty.

The shores were wild and wooded, slogin to
ward the sea, here and there fronting t e rk
flood beneath with precipitous walls of rocks.

The plume-like palm and cocoa trees lifted
their taps above the cliffs, and the crevices of
the rocks were filled with clinging vines, while
brilliant colored wild-flowers dotted the hill-
sides and banks.

Stretching out from this scene of beauty, be—
yond the tower, was the headland that shelter-
ed the bay, and its sterile, black, forbidding
rocks, showed no sign of the rich folia sand

‘vegetation’ that clothed the mainland wit per—

petual beauty.
Beyond was the blue sea, calm as a mill-pond,
and at her feet were the curvin shores of the

hay, also undisturbed by a sing e ripple, while

far away in the distance was visible the single
sail, lits sails flapping as it rose and fell upon the
swel .

Inland were the haciendas, or casas dc compo
of the wealthy islanders. surrounded by their
vast coffee and an r estates, with the little
quartier, or negro v' nestling near the man—
axon.

In the interior, to the north, the lofty moun-
tains rose blue and hold their summits reflect-
ing the sunlight, and t 6 Elaine at their base
also dotted With White pue las, the homes of
Cuban planters.

In an Opening of the forest, and a quarter of

'a mile from the tower, a favorite resort of the

maiden, was her own home, its white walls
and Vermilion turrets standing out in bold re-
lief against the dark—green folxa e be 0nd.

From the azotea, or flat roo of he stately
villa, arose the red turrets; or towers, for the
house was one of those ancientflpanish country
mansions, stil often met with in Cuba. ‘

It was vast in size, with wings and courts, or
plazas, onestory high, and the walls were paint-
edwhite. ,'. '

On the side-toward the med tower on the
hill was'a pom cookers, or carriage-way, that
led to the plaza within, and upon which the
rooms opened. .

In this patio, of court, was a huge fountain.
surrounded by orange colored vases filled With
go eons lants and flowers. ‘ - ,

T roug ,the tall grated windows opening
upon sea and land, could be seen the sleeping-
room, with heavy crimson curtains, to shut out
the light, while the sitting-room and parlors
had drapery of lace and rose—colored silk.

There was an air of luxury and grandeur per-

~h- .

“a. A ‘

V.. .

 

 

 

 

 

 The Seeds? 

 

 

vading the villa within doors, that accorded

well with the elegance of the surroundings and

beauty of the scenery without;

A small chapel, with its cross of glold, adjoin-
ed the villa on the right ,and upon a sides were
gardens of flowers and ornamental trees, with
avenues of evergreens running down 'to the
shores of the bay. ' 7

Beyond were the negro Village, and the out-
houses of the hacienda, all on the same grand
scale. -

Such was the scene that Nita. Sabinas, the Cu-
ban beauty, gazed upon, while her skilled hand
guided the pencil upon its work. . ,

Suddenly she started to her feet with a half-
cry of terror, dropping her portfolio -upon the
ground, while Alena, who had been having a
peaceful siesta, also sprung. up with a or of
alarm and muttered her prayers, as the w ole
island seemed to shakebeneath the peals of ter-
rific thunder that burst from the heavens. ‘

While sketching,l she had forgotten the rising
storm, until the 'vid flash and thunder roar
came, startling her by its suddenness.

But now that she saw the ink storm-clouds
trailing over the sea, and behel the tornado
rushing landward with irresistible fury, she be-
came perfectly calm, and with her dark man-
tilla drawn around her form, stood gazing with
admirationnpon the tempest' that was enou h
to make the stoutest heart tremble with drea .

“Come, Senorita Nita, let us hasten to the
hacienda,” cried Alena sinking on her knees
within the vinecovered ruin, an still mutter-
ing her prayers. .

‘Nonsense, Alena I do not fear the storm, so
sliifill gemain here; if you are afraid go to the
v a. «

“Iwill not leave ou, se rite; but your in-
ther will fear for yo’d." Q

“My father is not at the hacienda, as you
know, Alena, to know that I am here; but see!
the tornado has struck the goleta and it is lost
from sight in the spray and gloom. _ .

“ HoliaMother grant, whoever; be on that
veszel, t t they go not down under the tem-
pos . ’ ,‘

A moment she gazed earnestly at the spot-
where she had last seen the vessel, and then
said, quickly:. V ' . V -

“ Alenu,'my glass!”

The‘slave spruyg to her feet and placed in the
hands of the maiden a spy-glass, a magnificent
instrument with silver tubes-and gems'set in
the rims around the glasses. . ,

Placing_it,to her eye.she arran ed the focus
to, suit heavision, and after a ong look ex-
claimed: _‘ , l » ,

“It is a coronal, Alena, for I.see her now,
driving like a specter vessel through the storm.

“ But it is a, argenvessel than my brother’s
goleta, yet she heads this way.’.’ '

“ Then it must be Don Isadorc’s deta, Donna
Nita for what other vessel like er would be
standing toward the hay?” answered Alena.

“ She heads directly for the entrance to the
buy, as though she knew the channel and if she
puts her helm hard down and runs 3 a to the
south, after passing Traitor Rock. -I w' know
that it is my brother, for no other pilot would
dare run into the bay in such 'a tornado." , ,

A moment she dropped the glass from her
eye, and bracing around, upon the, now' .ter—
riflcally su lime, scene, calm where she stood} a.
raging tempest a league away, she cried, w th
admiration: \

“For am“ tidal Alena, but this is a grand

A ,

- sight, and an awful one.”

‘Oh Donna Nita, the goleta, the galeta!”
sudtfienly cried ,the octoroon, ~ pointing sea-
war . , -,
Quickly the lustrous e es were turned sea~
ward, and from the lips broke a cry of
alarm, for suddenly increasing in fury the tor-
nado had torn the ateen sails of the camvel to
threads, and hurled it upon its beam-ends.

With dread and hope commin led the maiden
and slave gazed upon the gal ant craft, and
with her spy-glass to her eye, Donna Nita cried
in trembling tones: ;

“ Mother of God have mercy! The sea sweeps
the crew into the waves; ah! there a tall form

springs to the wheel, and the remaining seamen ‘

sprin to obey his orders.

“ es, they are setting sail—f. Ha! Heaven I
thank Theel she rights once more; but there
again goes her canvas into ribbons. '

"‘Yet she drives on now before the tempest
like a mad racer, ands-l can see no more for the
tor ado shuts out my new.” v .

“nOh, Donna Nita, see! cl ojo del huraca‘n .’*
Come, senorita, lotus fly.to the hacienda for
safet ,” cried Alena, in Wild, pleading accents,
as t e skies suddenly presented a fearfully
ghastly light, that spread over the sea and land
in advance of the urricane, almost shutting
out phase from view, and yet rolling over the
sea in re waves not unlike the aurora bomfis
m the heavens, though, reflected from a single
pmztuor focus, which was the “eye of the tem-

es .

Behind this baleful glare came the tornado,

and trailing blackness, while the very earth

 

*“The eye of the hurricane;" also called “The
Light of Hell," in the Caribbean Sea—Tan Auraoa.

 

trembled beneath them of waters, howling of
winds and rattle of thunder-peels. _

Nearer and nearer ca ‘ e tie tornado, the 0]!)
del huracan changing its ues as it approached,
the red fading into violet and the violet into
inky blackness, until again it changed and the
very waves seemed to be on fire beneath its
lurid glare. ' I

‘F God have mercy upon that craft !” cried
Nita Sabinas, spring' back into the tower
and droppin upon her res by the side of the
fri htenedA end. '

ut scarcely had she disappeared within the
ruin, when the Scene of calm on shore was bro-
hell and the hurricane leaped u on the land
that shook beneath its shock, and urling1 down
rocks, uprooting trees, and crashing t rough
the forest it went on with a force, ferocity and
uproar which no pen can describe. ‘,

Stones were hurled from the tower, and
swept awa like leaves; large rooks were .sglit
from the c ids and fell into the seething wa s
of the bay while the rain and sheets of flamin
lightnin descended to ether, and thunder pea
succeede thunder pea with the roar of a cease-
less battle. _

Kneeling back in the tower, protected from
the fierce tempest, Nita Sahinas l\gazed -
bound upon the fearful sight of ature n a
passion, while poor Alena, shrieking. forth her
prayers to the irgin, crouched down in a dark
corner, a able object of terror.

Presen ly a cry broke from Nita’s lips:

“ See! it is the goletal

“ She has entered the bay and drives straight
upon the rocks at our very feet' ob Alena!
girl! arouse from your fright and behold!"

But Alena only prayed the louder, and
crouched the closer in the corner of the tower,
while her mistress ,sprung to her feet, and cling-
ing to the hammock, gazed forth upon \the
weird, fearful scene. - -

Across the bay the goleta was driving, and
she knew’that under bare ‘ lesrit must st '
the rocks a hundred feet eneath w e
tower stood, and that all on board mus erish.

“ Oh Father above, even prayer ' to Thee will
not save them now—all must the!” '

She covered her face with her hands to shut
out the hideous sight of a. noble vessel mule?
to ruin. and death, and when she again look
saw that it was much nearer the rock arm of
the land, and driving still more swift y to de-
struction. , , ,

“ Hal there stands that same tall form I be-
fore saw, and he is lashed to the wheel.

“No no, he leaves it to grasp at that, poor
comr a who is torn from his hold on the bul-
wark—he misses him, but has returned in
safe? to the wheel, to which another. also clin ..

‘,‘ so how coolly he_gazes around upon e
awful scene, as though he knew not fear— Hal
that cruel wave has swept the decks, clear of all
-~no, no he lives, and one other; they are still
safe at the wheel. 1 ,

“ 03: Heaven! that see will sink the gallant

craft- no it ' once more, and he alone lives. ,
I could .lo’ve it??? ‘

, brave, noble man and, Mary
Mother, save him from death, I  to you
from my most heart." . ‘ ’ ‘

She sunk on her knees as she uttered-the short
prayer, and when she again looked upon as
vessel she saw the tall form suddenly leave e
wheel and ring into the sea, while the next
instant the little caraeel went upon the rocks
with aforce , seemed to loosen them from
their very foun ation'. ” '

“Come, Alena! come, f'l! he is not dead,
and 1 yet may save; him, shouted the’Cuban
maiden, and gathering her dress around her she
,darted out of the tower down toward the shore,
unmindfuqu the furious hurricane and her own

sa ety. , 1.

Down the rocky steeip with the sprayi dash-
ing over her, the rain ailing in torren, u n
her, and the winds almost taking her breath
away, she went to the shore, upon which the
rocks were iled in wild” confusion.

A short istance away, upon a juttin rock
was the coronal, breakinghin pieces, the. would
be Egrn loose and hurled oreward by the med
wa rs.

Out over the seething foam she d earnest-
ly, and to her lips arose a cry of y for amid
t e tossing debris of the wreck s e beheld one
human form, and she saw that he was alive and
was manfull struggling to live.

Nearer an nearer he came to the shore,,and ,‘

than was in the breakers, to be hurled away by
a rude wave.
“He shall not die before maeyes,” cried the
brave girl, and unfasten er mantilla she
tore it in several pieces, tie them together with
a firm hand, and attaching to one end a small
iece of timber from the wreck, threw it out to
e grasp of the stru ling man.
He clutched it jus as a third time a wave

was in back, and holding on with
the tenac at a drowning man can do, was
firmly b there by the maiden until the surge

0d. the waterustliaacszrld mogutaéfly cm,
Then, ex er s an
to him to ,da nk'ia‘wno, she drewntini shorswalrxhg
his feet touched the sands and he tottered out
be end the reach of the waves.
but man was the one who had said to Jose

‘yacht running in, when i

 

Morena that he would not die, and he had kept

his word.
But betterhad it been for Nita Sabine had
he sunk to the depths of the sea.

CHAPTER III.
A woman’s Lova.

ONE pleasant afternoon, some two months af-
ter the tornado described in the foregoing chap-
ter, Nita Sabinas was sleeping upon the roof of
her case, for it was the hour of siesta, an hour
when all Cuba delights to rest.

Above her was stretched a silk a'wnin , so

'lted as to be a shade from the sun sin ng
~ estward.

Herform was reclining u n a bamboo settee,
and beneath her lovely hea was a silken pillow,
while by her side sat Alena, the octoroon a fan
in her hand, which she moved spasmodically, for
goth had yielded to the dreamy influencetof the

our. '

In the patio beneath, the slaves of the house-
hold were also sleeping, soothed by the balm
air, and all Nature seemed in repose, thong
not yet had

“ Night‘s dark wing o’er the earth been thrown.“

Upon another part of the cam, also sheltered
by an awning o silk, but reclining in aham-
mock, was the form of a man, and the curl of
smoke arising from a cigamto between his lips
'showed that one person at least was awake in
that time of dreamy repose and security which
characterizes the interior of a Cuban mansion
in that climate of luxurious indulgence.

Tossing his cigarrito suddenly away with an
air of petulance, he arcse to his feet and gazed
seaward. .

“ Hal a sail; and it is the olatajof on Isa-
dore Sabinas,” he exclaime , as his ick eye
caught sight of a lateen-rigged vesse far out
upon the sea, and heading for the entramc to

the y. , .

Agile stood up his tall, well—knit form drawn
to i
on the caravel, the day of the tornado was re-
vealed. ‘

It was a strangely fascinating, face, though a
little stern, and stamped with a certain‘ leuk-
lessne that was seemingly called there by a
life 0 adventure and danger' but there was on
air of refinement and high breeding that de-

noted that he had been born and reared a gcn- .

tleman. '

He was dressed in a blue navy undress , ket,
w its pants, 9. but! vest, and upon his shoulders
were the straps of a naval officer of the United
States of the rank of tain. , V "‘

As he again turned to gaze upon the distant
sail, it‘was observab!e that he were his left arm
in'a silken sling, and the,sunl ght, flailin full
upon his,l'ace showed that, it‘ was beggar and
bore paces of recent 5 . " *

Lon and ntently he look u on the sail in
the o x , and his brow gre'wda ,hnd hixeyes
burned as if in anger, while,muttering , ween
his shut tee th something that sounded strangely
like an-oath, he began to pace the a‘zote‘q with
the quick, flrm tread of one at home on aship’s
quarter-deck. - t < ' ~ , ,

. Presentlyhis evidently 8113!? than hts found
,voice, for e said, in an e es and he, can»
running with himself aloud: * p ,

‘-‘ N~mbre de Dios I why does not the laggard

camel . _

",He certainly oeived my letter, for that
man on Don I oro’s goleta would“ not dare
turn traitorto me.

“But he does not come and here is the Don’s
was not expected for

a week or more. _ . _

“I‘trust no suspicion has arisen lu'his mind
to bringhim back so soon. ‘

“ Iknow that he does not like me, though I
must sayihe treated me find] , asdoes his fa-
ther: but then the seed of d strust' is in the
heart of the young man, and the father has in
view the mar with an raballero noble of
Spain, and not w h an Americana.

“Ha! ha! ha! well, we shall see, my noble
dons, who shall win the me at stake; it is a

h one, and I shall play. is to the bitter en .”

or some moments he stood in silence, glanc-
in mechanically down into the court, where
sti slumbered he slaves, upon the fountain,
the tesselated pavement, the flowers of many
hues, and then upon the grand .old mansion.

Then he once more turned Ins gala ward
and cried, in a joyous tone, as his eyes ghted
up brilliantly:

“ Madre e Dias! It is the wager.”

The voice awakened Nita So. has from her
slumber, and her sudden start brought Alena,
the octoroon, to her feet, and both tinned their
eyesu , I:11 £23m who haddlumfsed 33m, 

wb vaneed ra y a o roe o
where the maiden  and sat , in a voice
that was soft andwmning: _ I
“ Pardon, Senorita Nita, for rude! disturbing
on, but yonder gail, your Mother’t goleta re.
{aran I me

. “unfit is! Isadoro’i vessel, and she is eaten \

ing e dime]; and there is another craft un—
der e shadow of the land.

“ Bee Senor Aubrey, the lugger also heads
for our y.”

full hight, the same dark, stern fee! seen I

u.

“ True it is doubtless a coffee drogher from
some so plantation down the coast, putting
in for water or provisions.”

“A very trim-looking vessel for a. drogher,
captain, for she a graceful hull and is
certainly rigged e a pleasure craft,” answer-

ed Nita, surveying the stranger attentively.

“You have a sailor’s eye, sweet Nita, to so
quickly discover the fine points of that vessel;
.but, tell me, what. can have brought your
brother back so soon from Havana?"

“ I cannot tell you, seller: 1, hopeno accident
has befailen him. ’ .

“ I sincere} trust not; a glass, please, Alena,"
and he turn to the octoroon, who descended
from the roof for an instant to soon return
with a spy-glass. .

“ on can retire now, Alena, and say to Pa-
, bio that my brother’s aoht is returning,” said
Nita, to the slave, as t e ofllcer turned the glass
upon the goleta, and said slowly, as the_maid

uisa peared: . .

“ 'fhe vessel looks all right, fair Nita; but
your brother is pacing his deck with bent head
and an vi‘y tread, if I may Judge from his bear—
ing at t is distance.”

‘ Whatcan have angered him I wonder? I
trust he has no ducllo on his hands," answered
Nita, feelingly’. '

Ca tain Au r,ey turned suddenly toward the
mai en, and takin her hand said in a low tone:

,“ fear I can to on, cam 1n ia, why he looks
angered, and has re urned - it is because he dis-
likes me, and wishes that fhad left the Sabinas
can do amp a forever."

She tur here es u n him, and they were
filled with tears, w ile s e resgo ded:

“ Austin, I dread to think t at you speak the
truth; hates you have now spoken of the dis-
like my brother feels for you I will be frank
ivith you and say that he has forbidden me to
ove cu.

“ ld him that I had dragged gen from the
sea and nursed youka tell 9, an that I loved
on with all my heart; but then he spoke to my
ther upon the subject and he too commanded
the to for et you.
“ButI amo Sabinas and have a will of

iron andre

“Thenhadorotold me that one, a caballero
who metyouhere, said you were notanAiner-
mfi' §°"§2t,°§f3+vbum“‘”" a 1m

" u w e man, on y,
andwithl. et smile. -
“‘Oh,itis bletobelievebewould nyof
yousovileathing, but Iwilltell you; he said
you werocneuponwhoseheadopricewu set.”

“Why did ounottell me ofthisbeforel”

“ dared not,and my brothersaid he
would go to Havana andbringandoof ofwhat
yonwero,andtrusting yonlwai .”

“Andwere he to come now and make that
char I agdnstme,Nita?’ sndhe bent his fas-
cina eyesan bei-own.

“Iwouldnot evethemifibeysworeitby
theHotherMary.”
“AndifIwei-etoukyoutoprove you love

won you so
me, 1d do i”
:‘1 me!” brotherhaslanded,‘ and he
may;see om-
thehaoienda.”

Yes, and heisnot alone,andthbsewithhim
are strangers; who can theg be
“ My enemies, ps,” 0 said, with. alight
smile' but his manner was cool and resolute, as
he halted the maiden to excuse him foremo-
ment, and descended from the azotea to his

room. .

But almost immediately be returned, and over
his shoulders was thrown a Spanish cloak, and
the quick eyes of Nita Sabinas detected the glit-
ter of arms beneath its folds.

“Ohl Austin, what dsn dogged dread that
you thus arm yourself?" 3 e crl , in alarm.

“I dread no danger, Nita mine; I am only
pre , to meet whatever ma be forced upon
me, ’ was the smilingre ly, an be turned, as a
handsome, bronze-face young Cuban ascended
to the azotea, and, with three companions, ad-
vanced toward where the two stood.

With or pale f flashing eyes, and deter-
mined manner the ban confronted the reso-
lute man and the trembling maiden, and said
star-111:1:

“ to, my sister, go to your room and leave
that man to me i" \

“Brother, I obe no commands from you-
‘hil ntleman is he guest of our house, an
ior runs that one of its membe its heir,
should offer insult to him,” was the ll'élnging re—
sponse of the beautiful girl. '

_ "Nita, that man whom you call a gentleman,
is no American emcer as he represents himself,
is not Captain Austin Aubrey, but he is one
whose nameisaterroron land and sea, and is
none other than Don Diablo, the Red Corsair.”

A startled cry came from the white lips of
Nita Sabinas, and she tried to speak, but her
words found no utterance, and she tottered and
would have fallen; but springing toward her
the man who had been denounced as the famous
bncesneer chief, one arm around her
waist and drawing her to him drewadagger
from beneath his cloak and maria sternly:

“Be 1 who I may, stand 851 e and let me
pass, 0,- 1 dale this blade to her heart.”

The Souléammeeea

 

 

CHAPTER IV.
. . m, mes-r. ~

To depict the feeling of Isadore SabiiiasJ
when he saw the tables so thorou hly turne
upon him b£the daring man he he denounced
as Don Die 10, the famous corsair, and whom
he hoped to ca. ture, would bei ble.

Devoted to issister above a] other human
beings, he had, when suspicion was cast upon
the man who was their guest, wished to save
her from an alliance with ; and, to satisfy
himself whether he was rea y Austin Aubrey,
the alleged American omcer, or none! other
than ,Don Diablo the pirate in disguise, he
had gone to Havana and gleaned a the in-
formation he could regarding the rover.

He had also received from the Governor—
General a miniature likeness-of the chief which
had been found in the possession oi some
maiden he had deceived and was convinced
that the est at Villa del Florida, as his home
was call , was none other than the corsair.

The likeness had the same dark, fascinating
face, with the brilliant. black 9 es, and the re—
solute, reckless mouth, half-hi den by a dark
mustache.

True, the miniature seemed the likeness of a
younger man than was the one who called him-
self Austin Aubrey, for the face seemed not to
represent one over twenty-three or four while
his guest was fully forty, though he did not
look so to a casual observer.

Sbi wrecked as he was by the tornado, and
his li e saved by Nita Sabinas, Don lsadoro and
his father both felt that he wasa dan rous per-
sonage to be thrown in the society 0 the loved
sister and daughter. ‘
“Built?” he was their guest, and what could

e o

othin , unless they went beyond the bounds
of hospita ity.

But when a neighboring lanter said that he
was confident that Austin iime was playing
n are bad dete to save his
sis r,‘and.hence his trip in his yacht to Ha-
vana. . '

There he learned that a small American ves-
sel, though of Cuban build and rig,'had been
seized upon the coastal Floridabya band of
outlaws, who had boldly boarded her; in the
absence of th .- ater part of the crew ashore,
and run her on to sea.

This occurred but a coup}: of weeh before
tbelossOfthevesselinthe undamongthe
debris on the rocks were a so marked with
thenameJ oftheAmericancraft, whichwasthc

nan.

As this little cruiser was commended by Ca
thin Austin Aubre ,Isadoro Sabinas came
the conclusion, a things being considered,
:glhgthkguestwasnotwhatherepresentedhim-

ShilingtoKey‘Westhefaundtbereanofllcer
of the runaway vessel, and showed him the
miniature likeness of Don Diablo. -

 thisyour again mflheasked.

no means, w reply.
“Dz on know who itisalikeness of?” was

11 - ‘

“It resembcsthe bu'ccaneer who ran
of! the Banuan, and set my men and mynself,
who were on board at the time, adrift an
openboat; buthe wasanolder man,”returned
the American midshipman. '

“Will you return with me in myflyacht, and
see if one I show you is Don Dia 0, the cor-
sair?” asked Isadora.

“Willeing‘filty senor.”

The the reader has seen, for with Isa-
doro Sabinas was Guy Stanhope, a handsome
young midshipman of the United States navy,
and acting as unior lieutenant of the San Juan
at the time of er capture.

“ That, Senor Sabinas, is not Cagtain Aubrey;
but he is the man who captur t e San Juan,’
had been Guy Stanhope’s rema k u n reaching
the azotea and confronting the ma den and the
man whose life she had saved.

Isadoro’s eyes fla bed with triumph, for he
was ambitions to win a name for himself b the
capture of the corsair, Don Diablo, and be] eved
he had him wholly in his power.

But the bold deed of thzha'man at bay stunned

, for all present saw tif they advanced
on him the result would be 'the‘instant death of
Nita Sabinas, and they started back in horror,
while the young, Cuban, white ass. corpse, cried

“Go! yioil are free, only spare my poor sis-

“G01 and I will s?ek you on the high seas.”

A bitter laugh in ngled with triumph, broke
 the lips of the daring man, and he re-

18 2

“Yes, I will go, my dear Senor Isadore, and
I thank you for the hospitality you have ex-
tended, and, if you wish to find me, you can
look for me on blue water; but I warn you not
tacrossm path.” . .

“ Go!” commanded the Cuban, sternly.
The man did not change his attitude, still
holding the blade in his hand, just above the
heart gf’itllaie unconscioasbgq’ltahasngdthus, for an
instan e a pallin eau ' .

Atle’n hhg brokge the silence and the sus-

pense wi :

 

“ i am not to be entrapped, Don lsadoro, so I
cmgyour beautiful sister as a shield to my
set Ny." '

“ ever! I will tear her from yourgrasplf

“Back! would you be her murderer?” sternly
cried Don Dialilo.

“ Bette: that than what she may become."

“Oh no! she shall become m bride, if so she
will- if not, she is free to rem n in her home.”

“ éhe is not so fallen as to bind herself to an
inhuman fiend such as you are, Don Diablo, the
corsair.”

“ We shall see when she returns to conscious—
ness; now 1 leave 'you, for yonder lies my lug-
gar in the bay; but if you press me, Nita Sa-

inas dies.

“Imem' it!”
~ He turned as he spoke, and raising the mai-
den m his unin ured arm, bore her toward the
stone stairway ending down into the court.

Every step of the way Isadora Sabinas. Guy
Stanhope and the others slowl followed him,
get dared not press him, as t e point of the

lade rested upon the bosom of the maiden,
and the hand that held the hilt all knew was
mhmmssiim' th a rd h '

ng e ower-ga on 9 sad down
an avenue to the sandy shore ’andpfhsen sprung
into the stern-sheets of the boat in which Don

Isaléittz‘o and his party had landed from the
go .'

As he was about to lay the maiden down to
seize the cars, unable to stand it longer, to see
his beloved sister thus torn from him, Don Isa-
dorc cried earnestly:

“Come, letus rush upon him and tear her
from his grasp l"

A few started, but all halted as they reached
the water at the ' ’s ringing wards:

“Back! I say Follow me, sailors, and by
Hi h Heaven she dies 1"

ith a groan Isadora Sabinas stood still,
knee-deep in the waters, and, still shielding
himself with the fair 'form from an pistol-
shot, Don Diablo, with his right ban seized
an oar, thrust it into the stem rowlock, and
sculled swiftly away from the shore.

Eagerly they watched him and saw him
reach the side of the logger and willing bands
aid_him andhisfairburdenonboard.

CHAPTER. V.
A cournonisn.
Tn two-muted lgggsr which had entered
the goleta

 

theba in the wake of Don Isa-
mdfien  thodéh‘her 'mdie‘
y q as crew, id
not care to hold communication with the land.
To an ordi' observer she would appear
lilkeglne ofththeééiumerons codes d are 1133;:
p e between
ofythgnrqich  the cities, vans.
generallybeing their of destination with
m and the where stores for the
plantations are pu '
Buttothee eof aseamonsbo piesentedthe
up 0 a trim-1% with hull
an uri indicating spied mgoing

no. es.
q Buthalfadomnmen were visible upon her
decks, andon'eof thesestoodaft, and leimrely
surveyed the shores.

The crew wore a mixture of Indian,

and ne , and were evil-looking wretches,
though ey were without doubt thorough sea-
men.

.The one who seemed the commander, from
his air and dress, was evidently a Cuban.

He was of short stature, slender-formed, bad
smell feet and hands, dressed in a certain dan~
difled wa , even though he wore only a blue
jacket an white duck pants and tarpaulin.

His face was youthful, full of determination,
not b any means homely, and were the un-

. ble stamp of refinement and intellect,
in s ite of his humble calling.e

“ ifor, there seems'to trouble ashore,”
sell: one of the Spanish sailors, approaching

“I have noticed it; but Ihave received no sig-

nal from the captain that he needs aid, and l

he can take care of himself,” was the non-
chlalant reply.

But the young commanderof the lugger never-
theless kept his glass turned upon the villa, and
closely watchedthe retreat of Don Diablo, car-
rying Nita Sabinas in hisarms, while theotbers
dogfiiih s steps.

, Anton, the on 'n has taken care or
himself, and there has trouble,” remarked ‘
the Cuban.

“Si, Senor Mariel; el ca tan brings a guest
on it seems, ” respon ed Anton, who acted
as mate of “831353811 ’

Conrado M made no reply, but gazed
more attentively at the scenes transpiring on
shore, until presently he glanced at the luggel‘,
somewhat anxiously, and said:

' “Anton, we with too far; the tide is run-
nin out and we are on the bottom.”

“It will be bad, if el capitan wishes to sail at
once Senor Mariel.”

“Ice very bad; if he is in trouble, and I do
not doubt it, there lies the goleta to run up the
coast after the Spanish vessel‘of-war we
at anchor awhile since; she could get here be-

The Scarlet Salmoner.

 

fore we float again; but see! the captain keeps
the k at be ," and Conrado Mariel referred
to t scene, hen ta‘anspiring, where Don Is-

adorohad run into the water. as though to seize v

the boat in which Don Diablo was retreating.

“ He could keep his namesake, El Diablo, at
buy I believe." muttered Anton.

All on the luggsr now narrowly watched the
coming boat, w ch’ Don Diablo was rapidly
sculling from the shore, and in a few moments
the young Cuban drew Nita Sabinas on board,
while he thou t:

“Mudre do ' 8! what beauty 1”

Aloud he said:

“Glad to welcome you, senor castain, and
that our injuries are not now painf ."

“ bank you, Conrado, I nearly went under
but thanks to this fair maiden I am almos
myself again; but come into the cabin with me,
for my sweet charge here is reviving, I see. "

He descended into the cabin, a most comfort-
able one for a vessel of its kind, and saw that
Nita Sabinas had opened her eyes and was gaz-
ing with wonder at him, and then at Conrado
Maria).

“ It is real then, and not a dream?” she mur-
mured.

“Yes Nita, itis no dream that I love on,
and that you saved'my life from the medi ted
attack of your brother and his friends; it is real
that you are on board my own lugger, which,
by letter I ordered to join me here,” he said, in
his soft, laseinatin way.

“ I am here wit you, you whom men call
Don Diablo, the Rover,” she muttered.

“ Nita, hear me; men call me all that is bad,
but the devil is not as black as he is painted,
and I mi ht be far worse. ,

“ Wha I have been, matters not; but what I
will be under your nobler, sweet influence, the
future will show, for I love you devotedly, and
am happy in the love you have given me. ’ .

“Yes, love you, oh, so devotedly; only al-
low meto go back to my home, and when you
have removed the stain from your name come
for me, and I will go with you to the ends of
the saith."

Don Diablo was about to make rep y when,
for the first time, he noticed the list 0 the lug.-
ger, and said quickly: 5

“ You are aground, Conrado?”

“ Yes, captain; we ran in too far, and the
tide going out has grounded us.”

1.333 Diablo‘s face grew dark, and he said

on : . '
q “ I heard ashore just now that there was'a
Spanish vessel-ef—war up the coast a couple of
leagues.” . .

“ There is, senor; we passed her as we headed
for the bay.”

“ Sefior capitan, they are going on board the
goleta,” called out Anton, from the companion-
way ‘ . -

“Nita, pardon me one moment; come. Con-
rado. I would '5 ak with you,” and Don Diablc
left the cabin, allowed by the Cuban.

“Sefior Maria], the lady‘I have here is the
Senorita Nita Sabinas,” hesaid, in an undertone.

“So I surmised, captain, from your words.”

“ After I captured that American cruiser, the
San Juan, Isailedto Sisal to add to my crew.
and was caught in a hurricane and my vessel
went to pieces on Imylouder point, and I
alone was sav through e bravery of
the Senorita Bab nae.

“I wrote you to Havana of the loss of the
schooner, and that we would have to still de-
pend upon the logger."

“I received gout letter captain, and came
here according your . '

“You did right, and arrived just in time,
for I was recognized b some accursed planter
who had been my via, and your coming as
you did saved me; 30'? many men have you?”

H F ca

“ 633’ and the Ingger’s guns?"

“ Are in bold.” ,

" Better still; were she not aground-I would
lay alcnzdde yonder goleta an take her, for
she is as as a bird. ’

“ True, senor; we chased her when we had
your old schooner El coco de Acero,* and she
outrun us, fast as was the Belt.”

“ It is too bad that you ran info shallow wa-
ter, and got left by the tide."

“I knew not the bay, captain, and had no
pilot but the goleta, that came in ahead.” ,

“You did well Conrado; but we are caught,
for the goleta W! 1 bring the Spanish war-vesael
down upon us. and her commander will board
1;? in ,spite of my threat to kill Senorita Sa-

mas. v

“ True, seiior; but what is to be done?” asked
Conrado Maria], with a puzzled air.

“I am like the lugger. Conrado, ashore,” and
Don Diablo smiled in spite of his danger.

Both men stood an instant in geep thought
and then the face of the young uban lig ted
up as he said: ' ,

“ I have an idea my captain, if you are will-

ing to consent to it.” I
‘When a man is in a des rate situation, he
will agree fo almost an ,” was the sig-
nificant reply.

_..-_—_7. I

—  The Steel Belt—Tm: Ana-Hon.

 

“You are convinced of the love of the
Senorita Sabinas for you?” -

U I am." h

“ You have had proof of it?” ,

“She believes in word against all accusa-
tions regarding me. ’

:: firenyou‘willing to give her up?"

ol r

“ For the presentt”

“ Explain, Conrado.” '

“ I pro a compromise."

“ I am istening.”

2‘ The li’igger is aground and we cannot leave.”
‘ e

“If we take to the shore we will be hunted
down with bloodhounds."

“ Yes. ”
“ The goleta is getting under way to go after
the S ,iard."

‘zyThe. Spanish vessel will come in and take

“ All this I know good Conrado.”

Yawn}, captain, I propose that you take the
go a. ,-

“Hal that would be a good idea," and the
Eyes pg Don Diablo flashed with triumph, while

e sa :

“ Call the crew up, and we will do it— No,
no, for see, she is under sail, and our boats can-
not overhaul her in this breeze."

With a muttered curse Don Diablo turned
away, but Conrado Marial seemed im eased
with another thought, or a determlna ion to
carry out his first plan which he had not fully
:Oxplained, for he suddenly hailed, in trumpet

nee: -

“ Ho! the goleta I”

“ Ahoy i" came back from the yacht.

“In Satan’s name, Marian what would you
do?” steme said the chief.

lgut, without heading, the young ofileercalled
on :

“I have an offer to make from my captain;
permit me to come on board.”

“ gain I ask what you intend, Senor Mariel?"
cried on Diablo, an rily. -

But before he d reply, Conrado Maria]
received his answer.

“ Ay, ay, we will lay to for you to come on
board; but come alone.” .

“I will do so, sefior,” answered the young

   
  

Cub , and then he t to his chief, whose
brow ad become bl auger.

“ Senor captain, my assumin so
much, but I did it for , you so“
believed in the love of the rlta Sabinas ”

“ You heard what I said.”

“ Well, I willnfo on board the goleta and
make a compro 59.” r .

“ A compromise?” -

“ Yes, captain: I will offer to restore the
senorita to her brother’s care in return for the
goleta.”

“Hal do you trifle with me, Maflali”

“ No, sefior captain; you know it is not my
nature to trifle.”

“ What, then do you meant”

“Trusting in’her love. you can trust her to go
ashore and. return to her home and while I am

one make an arrangement with her fora. ren- .

ezvous a week, or a month hence.

it Ha!”

“ I see you understand.”

“ Yes, go on, senior.”

“If she falls to keep that appointment, it is
easy enough to get her again in your power, for
I am certain my ca tain will not be content to
command only this ugger and afew men when
there are better craft to capture.”

“ Conrado Mariel, you are a true friend. and
Iwill do as you say;gc,on board thegohta
and make what terms you can."

CHAPTER VI.
connsno mama’s mssrox.
Wm Don Diablo entered the cabin of the

 

luggar, which now la over on her beam-end

the tide having left or thus, Conrado Maria
sprung into the goleta’s boat, which his chief
had come out in and her crew sho it into
the water, he sculled replieg out to the yacht.

Allen board watched comin closely, and
endeavored to get a view of his ace; but the
young Cuban beat his head and drew his hat
down over his eyes, until he ascended the side
of the goleta. r ,

“Well. sir, do you come from that dccursed
8:3 dlevil to ofl'er terms?” asked Don Isadora,
s ern y.

“ I came from my captain, sefior, and would
see youin rivate, was the quiet response of
Conrado. w ostill concealed his face as much
as was in his power.

“ Then follow me to my cabin " was the stern

use of Isadore Sabinas and the next mo-
men Conrado stood in the luxuriously-fur-
nished cabin of the goleta for, with ample
means at his command. an d voted to a sea
life. Don Isadoro had fitted his cat and beauti'
ful vessel up in princely style. '

“Now, senor, if you are not afraid to look
an honest man in the face, raise your hang-
dog head and tallme what terms your master,
the devil. oflers to treat with me onl" and Pon
Isadora ('1er his piercing eyes upon his visitor.

 

 

Conrado Maria] started at his words, and his
dark face flushed ashe raised his e as full to
those of the man before him, and d sternly:

“ Isadore Sabinas, I fear to look no man in
the eye. " '

“Madre do Dias! Estevan El Saltador, do
my eyes deceive me?” and Don Isadore started
back in an attitude of amazement, and half-
drawingDa pistol from his belt.

“No, on Isadora, your eyes do not deceive
Iyou; I am Estevan, t e Buccaneer, or, as I am
nown since my esca from the germ“ the do
I took that fearful cap for life, Estevan, l

Saltador.”*

“ They said he had been captured and banged
at the yard-arm of an American cruiser," said
Don Isadore, speaking to himself, as though
thinking aloud.

“ They said wrong, as you see, Don Isadore
for I am still afloat, and wear the brand of
piracy complacentl on my brow.

“Banished and unted down, because an
father was a conspirator against Spain; wit
my home in ruins, my fortune wrested from
me, I had but one course to pursue, and that
was to all myself with outlaws.

“ You, in one of your pleasure cruises, found
my vessel a wreck upon the waters, driven be-
fore a hurricane, and you it was who carried
tine tint? Havana“ where I was condemned to

ea .

“ But did not die, as you made a lea for fife
from the clifl into the sea that para yzed all
who saw it.

“ You justly earned the name of The Leaper,
Estevan, as our father did that of The Traitor
before you.

“ We will not discuss my father, Don Isa—
doro, but turn to the cause of my coming here
and voluntarily placing myself in your power,”
said the Cuban, sternly.

“And now that you are here I hold you
my iscner," and Don Isadore drew his pistol
quic y and covered the heart of the young out-
law thh the muzzle.

But Conrado Maria] did not move, or show
the slightest sign of fear, as he said:

“You forget, Don Isadore, that your sister
would be held as a hostage a ainst my return."

“Ha! I did forget that; ut that accursed
fiend has her in his power now, and will not
give her up.”

“ I have come to ofler a coinpromise.”

“Name it.”

";',You were standing out to see. when I hail-

“ Yes, to the Spanish vessel you doubtless saw
at anchor as you came into the bay."

“ Yes, actor, I saw her.” ,

“ Her commander would be glad to have tion
a prisoner, Don Estevan," said Isadore, wi

sneer. . .

“Doubtless, and you, too, rich as you are,
f-or 1:11:25 a price of twenty thcu'and pesos on

“Yes, audasmuch on the head of Don Di-
ao; womea mesumye

bl I uld ak handso b th
cs ture of such a precious pair.”

,‘Why do you hesitate, Don Isadore, to get
the rewardsi’ .

“ You know that my sisteezsuin our power."

“Yes, senor and her d hogtiewould be
sent to you if harm befollme, or Spaniard
came in and attacked the lugger.”

“Good God! I believe your chief tobeca bio
of any crime; but I have on board heron an-
ish Government oflcer, and he demands that I

m e own 0 ressnce
sail to the cruiser and air kn th p
of the luggfigaud who is her chief.”

“Well, 11 Isadore, if you desire to save
yourtebeautilul sister,I beg that you agree to
:11 rms. ‘

.y‘ Name the I say.”
“Our lugger ashore."
“50 I see; you got caught in your .own

trap.”
We are not caught yet."
“ You certainly are.’
“We shall see, my dear Don.”
“But your terma. or those of Don Diablo, tor
Ica’ronotwith whomI deal,scI save mysis-

tor.

“ Having observed that the lugger is on the
bottom and cannot sail for some hours, you
know that we cannot put to sea." _

“ That is evident."

“Well, we must put to seat? get taken by
the Spanish cruiser, and not log able to go in
the logger, I have come to ask you for your
pretty vessel.”

“ la the d+vil’s name! what mean you?”

“This vessel’s hull was once my own craft, I
believe?”

“ Yes, she was a wreck, as you know, when I
towed her into Havana. and had her rebuilt
and refitted, on account of her beauty and

“And honored me by naming her after me?"
“True: she leaps over the waters so, I tailed
her 112 mom '
“Then 1 think I have a claim upon her, and

cfler to buy her.”
“She is not for sale.”
“ I must have her." .

m

f The Leaper.—Tmt Airmen.

6.

 

“ I will not give her 11 ."

“ Then. your sister is named.”

The stern reply caused Don Isadore to turn
pale' and he gasped forth: r

“ What do you, can you mean?”

“I will ’ve you your sister safe in your
hands, for t is vessel.’

Don Isadore Sabinas saw now that he was the
me that was entrapped, and he paced to and
"m in the cabin with quick step and angry

brow.

Silently El Saltador watched him for a mo-
ment, and then said: - '

“ Don Isadoro, you need not be told how ne-
cessary it is for my chief and myself to put to
se

a.

“ The lugger is aground and we cannot go in
her, and from some source, as many ashore
know what is going on here news of our
presence will be carried to the Spanish vessel,
and we will be taken.

“Your sisterI will give up to you for this .

vessel intact, excepting her‘ slave crew and
your personal baggage,' and I tgive you two
minutesto decide whether to re use or accept
my terms.”

‘ And if I refuse?’ -

“My chief will lash your sister to the in -
ger’s mast, set the craft on fire, and take th s
golcta in our boats, for we have half a. hundred
men on yonder vessel.”

The words and manner of Estevan the Leaper
struck Don Isadore dumb with horror and ter-
ror, and he could but gaze upon the daring man
in silence. ‘

“ One minute has gone, sailor,” and the
Iieuricr looked at a. gold watch, while he added
5 ow y:

“ You know the character of the man whom
they calLDon Diablo, so I beg you, for the sake
of your lovely sister, do not hesitate.”

“No, no, will not hesitate; the goteta is
yours if you but give me my sister in honor
and safety,” cried the young Cuban, in trem~
blin tones:

“ wise decision, senor; now land
guests and crew on the nearest point, and
send the Donna Sabinas ashore.
myllow I will return and report to my cup-

I).

He left the cabin without another word, and
slowly Don Isadoro followed him, lookin like
a. man'who had been struck some severe b ow.

As. Estevan s rung into his boat and skulled
away, Don Isa oro commanded in loud tones,
addressin the young Cuban who acted as first
officer of t e yacht:

“ Senor Lazaro, drop anchor, and land the
engdie grew on yonder point, for I give up the
go 6 a.

Even the score of negroes, the slave crew of
the yacht, gazed in astonishment at this strange
command, while Guy Stanhope, the American
midshlpman, asked quickly: '~ -
“Why, Senor Sabinas, why this strange or-
der?” ' '

“Yes, Don Isadoro, are you in earnest!”
asked the Spanish oflicer, who had accom ied
the young Cuban from Havana, and w owas
an aide on the stud of the Governor-General.

“Yes. Seder Stanhope, and Major Enrique
Alvarado, I am in earnest; I have sold the
goleta -” he mid, bitterly.

“ Sold El Saltadorl” cried Major Alvarado.

“Yes sold her to her former owner, who was
just onhoard and who is none other than Este-
van El 8a ' or." ' ‘

“What! Don Isadore have you done this!"
cried the Spaniard. , ‘ '

“I have, and for a good price."

“I had~no idea that the love of gold could
tempt Don Isadore Sabinas to sell a’vessel to a
conspirator against his king, the son of a traitor,
and himself a pirate.” ’ '

'“ Major Enrique Alvarado, I forgive your
words under the circumstances for had I sold
my vessel for gold to a pirate, I would deaerVe
their sting.

"But the price I got for the goleta was my
sister.” ' ' '

Both the American and the Spaniard
sigh of relief, and Don Isadoro e lain what
had occurred in the cabin, and, nowin the
character of Don Diablo, they could not b ume
hingnd preparations were made to leave the
go 2 .

Ten minutes after the beautiful vessel lay at
anchor crewless, and a boat from the lugger
carried Don Diahlo and Nita Sabinas to the
shore and landed within a short distance of
Don Isadore and his party.

“Remember, my sweet Nita. one week hence
I will be on the coast in a small In er, and on
know my signal, so be ready,” saidfihn Diahlo,
in a low tone, as he touched the shore.

“I will be ready: and you will prove to me
that you are not all they say of you!” she an-
swered, be fully. '

“Yes' a ios, my beautiful Nita.”

He aided her out upon the sands, and spring~
ing‘ back in his boat sculled rapidlv directly
toward the goleta where the lugger’s boats had
alread carried his crew, whose a rance

rave to Don Isadore that Estevan E11, grimdor

a‘d not spoken falsely when he said he had
force enough to carry t a yacht by boarding.

our
will

V03

 

|
l

 

The“'Scarlet-~§choonei1f.'

“ Seflor captain, the Sailor Marial did not
come off with us,” said Anton, as'the lugger’s
crew reached the oleta.

“ True, Anton; e remained on board the lug-
ger to glvethose who take her in charge a little
surprise to—night; you act in his' place, and get
the goleta at once under all the 'sail she will
carry," replied Don Diablo.

Five minutes more and El filtador was flying
seaward with a irate crew upon her decks, and
the daring Don iablo at her helm, for, during
his convalescence at the villa of Don Sabinas he
had learned the channel out of the bay, while
sailing of an afternoon with the beautiful
maiden whose love he had won.

CHAPTER VII. _
m consam's RETURN.

JUAN Lazaao, the sailing~master of the lost
El Saltador, so cleverly captured from Don Is—
adoro, sat alone in the cabin ol’ the lugger left
by Don Diablo.

The tide had come in and the graceful vessel
was riding the waves, which a six-knot breeze
was finding sboreward to break upon the sandy

 

The greater part of the goleta’s crew had
been sent to the negro-quarters their services
not being needed, and but four of the black sail-
ors remained upon the logger, and were for»
ward sin ing African melodies, and enjo ing
the moonlit scene of bay, sea and shore, fort are
is ever a love of nature in the breast of the
:1 r0. l
n the cabin, though it was far from being
the luxurious quarters of the goleta Juan
Lazaro was not at all miserable, for he had
been on a voyage of discovery and found some
choice wines and edibles, which showed that the
former commander of the vessel had not been in
want of the luxuries of life.

Discussing his second bottle of Amontillado,
he did not observe, what appeared to be the
partition of a stateroom slowly turning, as
though on a pivot, and disc osing a narrow space
some eighteen inches wide and ten feet long. .

It was but afalse wall, or partition, ingenious-
ly arranged so as to deceive any one; but it
contained a reat deal of mischief, for seven
men stood in ine in the narrow space, and the
lamp in the cabin showed that they were a. des-
perate-looking sethznd all well armed. , ‘

At the head of t , as Conrado Estevan,
or E1 Saltador, no known to Cubans,
and, as the false w h lessly swung open,

he stepped quietly f and a pistol-muzzle
was thrust in the face of duan Lazaro, and the
the low, stern words fell on his ear:

“ Move, or cry out, sefior, and you die.”

“Nombre d6 Dias! who are youl” gasped
Lazaro, in a hoarse whisper.

“ El Saltador,” was the calm reply.

“Hal and what want you herel’ asked La-
zaro, in the some whisper, for he dared not
raise his voice.

“I am at home, here, senor, this being my
lugger, which, not carin to have fall into other
bands, I remained to 9 charge of; seat here
as?i my céew," andblgg becklpned to sitXécom-
raes,wopassed orete o e rror-
stricken man, having steppetfagdt-of their hid-
ing- lace and closed the wall as it was before.

‘ 01 Virgin protect me,” gasped Juan L9:
zaro be ieving that he was to be killed. '

“ I do not intend to harm you,seflor,.if you

do“m hblddilnlgd” ythi ythi n ‘f
, w 0 an n‘ ever ng, se or, i
you do’not kill me, cried’the frightened man.

“ If I killed you, you could do nothing."

“ I am not fit to d e, senor.”

“I can believe-that: but now obey me.”

“ Ineverythlng, good senor."

“ Step to the companionway, and call one of
your crew. '

J uau Lazaro obeyed, calling, in aloud tone:

“Pedro l"

“ Si, senor,” answered the slave called, and he
entered the cabin to be immediately seized and
bound, while a knife at his throat prevented
any outcry. - ’

n this way the rest of the crew were safely
captured, and then, leaving the logger in the
charge of one of his 'men, Coma o Estevan
sprunghiuto a boat and pulled ashore. -

As dugh thorough] acquainted with the
surroundings of the vi la, he made his way
throu hthe grounds, and approached the wing
in wh ch- were the rooms of its. Sabinas.

There was- a light streaming from the long
windows, and he heard voices within, and knew
that the “young girl and her maid were convers-
inEItoge er. ,

string a hasty tour of the villa, he discov-
ered that Don Isadore and his guests wore in
the parlor play'mNg cards, and returning beneath
the window 0 its. Sabinas’s room, he hastily
wrote somethin on a. piece of paper, the moon-
light uidin h , and wrapping it‘ around a
bullet e too from his pocket, threw it into'the

room.

He heard it fall upon the floor, and the star-
tled cries that were uttered both by Nita and
Alena, her octoroon maid, and knew that what
he had written would meet the eye of her for
whom it was intended.

Then he walked rapidly back to the shore,

 

sprung into his boat and rowed back to the lug-
er

“Now, senor when you have run the lugger
out of the bay for me, on can go ashore With
our crew, and say to on Isadore Sabinas that

l Saltador bids him keep a close watch on the
Senorita Sabinas, for she is in danger; now
take the helm, please, and, remember, if the
lugger strikes in going out, it will be the signal
for your death.”

Juan Lazaro took the helm, the huge lateen
sails were spread, and the fleet craft went sea-
ward with a merry ripple under her bows.

Once out of the bay, and Juan Lazaro and
the four slaves were put in a boat and set adrift
to return to their home, while the lu ger stood
away in the direction 0'." the Isle of ines.

The day after sailing asmall craft was sighted,
standin close inshore, and a signal was flying,
which ‘ onrado seemed to reco ize, for he
squared away dirtctly for the litt e vesésel.

As the two vessels drew near together the tall
form of Don Diablo was visible upon the deck
of the little lug er, and he called out:

“ Well done, onrado, in so cleverly retaking
the lu or; now head inshore and drop anchor
in thegfied Lagoon, and I will join you there as
soon as I accom lish my object.”

“You go to t e Villa del Florida, sefior cup-
tainl” asked Conrado.

“Yes, and will return as soon as I can;
adios.” v

The two vessels parted, the large lugge’r under
command of Conrado Estevan heading straight
inshore, and. soon disappeariu in the mouth of
some inlet or lagoon, and t e smaller craft
standin down the coast in the direction of the
Villa de Florida.

With the one pu in his min of recov-
ering possession of its Sabinas, an to accom—
plish which he had captured a”. fishing polacca,
and sent the goleta on to the rendezvous, Don
Diablo, disguised as a common seaman, held on
down the coast, until the white walls of the
Sabinas villa arose before his view.

As the little vessel was glidin rapidly along,
close inshore, driven by a. bar wind that was
blowing, and the daring man at her helm was

letting how he was to get possession of the
air Nita, he suddenly saw a. cavalcade dashing
swiftly alon the highway, and withastart re—
cognized the eautiful form of Senorita. Sabinas
on horseback.

She was attended by the American midship—
man, Guy Stanhope, and behind her came two
other couples, whom Don Diablo saw were Isa-
dore Sabinas and Major Enrique Alvarado, es-
corting ladies from some of the neighboring
pueblas. - '

At a glance Nita Sabinas also 1‘
lover, and, acting under the sudden impulse of
her most impulsive nature, she suddenly turned
her horse and dashed am like the wind, riding
toward a low point of 1 , to which she points
with her whip.

Realizing her intention intuitively, Don
Diablo headed directly toward the shore, at the
point where he expected her to reach it, and
called to the half~dozen men he had on board to
be ready for busy action.

Astouuded at the inexplicable conduct of his
beautiful you hostess, Guy Stanhope drew
rein for an ins nt, scarcely knowing what to
do, until startled by the ringing tones of Don
Isadoro, whose quick eye had also recognized
the chief. ‘

“Quick! follow me, for yonder boat can'ies
Don Diablo, and she flies to his protection 1”

Like the wind Don Isadore started in pursuit,
and, deserting the two ladies, thethree horse-
men were at once in full chase of i the fair fugi—
tive. '

But holdin her way directly for the sandy
beach, Nita abinas seemed determined to fly
from the protection of home and kindred for
the love of an outlaw, and urged her splendid
horse at once into the foaming surf, for the sea
was runnin high.

Boldly t e obedient animal breasted the
waves, and when Don Isadora and the others
reached the shore she had left, Nita Sabinas
was far out upon the wind-lashed waters, ani
ghe ligle lugger standing in a direction to head

are . '

Having relin uished the helm to one of his
men, Don Diab o stood :on the deck, a coiled
rope in his hand to throw overythe daring girl
as the lug or shot by, and, as he neared the
now terrib y frightened, but nobly struggling
horse, he shouted in triumphant and cheery
tones: ' ~ -

“ Bravo! my noble Nita, you are mine once
more!"

ized her

CHAPTER VIII.
A PLOT roman. ~
11' was a critical moment, and formed a thrill-
ing tableau, if the moving objects and persons
of the scene. may be so desi ated, at the mo-
ment when Don Diablo cri with exultation:
.“Bravol my noble Nita, youare mine once
more.” ’ a
The sea was running high, half a gale was
blowing and pressing the little lugger ovor until
her lee scuppers were under water, the chief
with rope in hand ready to cast to the

\

an»—

an»—

 

The..seerlet Schooner»

7..-

 

 

brave irl, whose terrified horse was plunging
fearfu y in the rough waters, while on lend,
their horses checked at the verge of the surf,
was Don Isadore and his gusty, and to all the
wooded shores and ,hills rmed a wild back-
ground to the thrilling picture.

Answering the words of Don Diablo with a
wave of her hand and asmile, though she was
very pale, yet full of nerve and iron resolve,
Nita Snbinas caught the rope thrown her,
)ussed it around her waist, and turning her
iorse’s head shoreward slipped from the saddle.

Almost instantly she was drawn on board the
his er, and was in the'arnis of Don Diablo,
while the little vessel dashed on, leavin the
E'lll'ptli'ised and frightened horse Swimmings ore-
Vi'ill' . .

“ Ohl I hope he will not drawn, for I owe to
him my escape,” cried Nita, her first thought
for her horse, and taming she gazed anxiously
upon the bravely-stru glin animal, which
seemingly realizing tha he ad well done his
work, was determined to save himself.

Interested also in the beast, Don Diablo and
his crew watched his course, while Don Isadore
and his friends rode rap'dl to the point where
he would land, and the bnban seized his bridle
as he came out of the water.

“ Thank God he did not die,” cried Nita, fer—
vently, and then no longer dreading for the
animal, she thought of herself, and said uickly:

“I e acted you to-ni ht, Austin; ut my
brother ad arranged a p 0t to entrap me, and
recognizingl you at the lugger’s helm, I impul-
sivel deci ed to escape.”

“ our brother had arranged to entrap you,
Nita?” asked Don Diablo, in surprise.

“Yes, above here two leagues lies a Spanish
schooner of war, and her commander is my
brother’s friend. ’ '

“ Feelinfiassured, after the clever capture of
the logger y El Saltador—”

“El §altadorl what mean you, Nita?” said
the astonished chief. ‘

“ Why, did you not leave Estevan El Saltador
to retake your lug er?” '

“ By no means‘ left the man who Erro sed
thatcaoi’iiipromise by which I got your 0 her’s
go

“ That was Estevan, the Leaper.”

“Impossible; it was my lieutenant, and a
dashin , daring fellow, too. 'His name is Con-
rudo arial.”

“Yes, he is the some; glen ‘ado Marial Este-
van was his name, and he is he son of the con-
spirator, and is himself the one u n whom a.
price is set, and bears the name of 1 saltador.

“ Why, I knew him well, for he was my bro-
ther’s friend years ago.” ‘

“ g Heaven! but this is news to me.

“T e man served me well once in Havana,
when I was recognized in a café and followed,
and took me on board his lugger.

“I suspected him of bein an outlaw and a
pirate, or smuggler and he. me a member
of a L?gue that I linow of, and to him I wrote
when was at your villa to come after me.

“Well, so my lieutenant is the 'famous El
Saltador, is hel’

It was evident that Don Diablo had tempo—
rarily forgotten himself, for his words caused
glifia to gaze fixedly upon him, and ask reproach-

y , .

“ Your lieutenant, and you supposed him to
be a. irate?” '

“ e have to employ any means, sweet Nita
to carry out our purposes, " was the 'prom t
answer, and without embarrassnient and e
continued, as the shadow partially left her face:

“ We Will 'soon see this famous El Saltador,
for he awaits us with his lugger, some leagues
from here in the Red Lagoon. _ .

“‘ Then hasten there, Austin, for this little
craft is not .one to escape from a foo in, and my
brother youP see has already ridden hastily in
the direction of the anchorage of the Spanish
schooner, andMajor Alvarado you see accom-
panies him, while the merican officer remains
to escort the Senoritas
and Nita’ pointed shoreward, where Don Isadore
and Major Alvarado were visible, riding rapid-
ly down the coast, while Guy Stanhope and the
two Cuban idens’ had turned off on a road
leading into t e interior of the island.

“ Do you know 'ust where this schooner is. at
anchor, Nitail’ as ed Don Diablo calmly.

“ Yes, in Island'lnlet, beyond the_entranoe to
our bag.” .

“ I now it; they have two mice to reach
there, and the schooner has three leagues to sail
to reach this point, which, W1th_delay of getting
under way, will give us about six leagues start,
which is enough on this boat With the half-gale
now hlowin . ,

“ Once on o'ard the lugger and the schooner
need as well give up the chase; keep her steady,
Pablo, and head straight for the Red Lagoon,"
he ord cred the map at the helm, and again
turning to Nita he continued:

“ But the surprise of discovering I had El Sal-
tador With me, prevented my asking how your
brother’had intended entrapping you i”

“ He feared your return, and seeing that I
loved {you with my whole heart, and good or
bad, (1 d not intend to give you up, it was his in-
tention to get me on board the schooner and

line to their hacienda,”

 

then carry me to Havana, where my father
now is, and then it would be decided what was
best to be done 'with'me.”

“And they have failed for I
with me, thanks to your ova an
Nita how learned you this?”

‘f Through Alena, m octoroon maid; my
brother, as he believe , bought her over by
making up a aper iving her her freedom, and
she learned a lhis p on, and secretly, as he be-
lieved, got my baggage together.

“Fearin tiat would not go on board the
vessel, my rother arranged a horseback ride,
and by accident we were to come upon the
schooner and be invited on board; but I had
made up my mind to seemingly acquiesce and
to escape in Havana and find on."

“Bless you, my noble gir ; and you have
found me, and within a few hours the ho!
padre of the hamlet near the Red Lagoon sha
make you my wife; but see, there is a party
moving along on shore:"

The maiden glanced an instant at what had
caught the quick eye of the chief, and cried, ex-
ultantl : '

“It is the vehicle carrying Alena and my
baggage.

‘ ow, Austin, I will not come to you a beg-
ga‘rl bl‘llile." ' h d t ba.

‘ wi nt ins ore an ge our 9
and your lgnaw, sweet Nita; Pa’blo, run
yonder point, for it is still water there.”

The In gerlufl'ed‘up within a short distance
of the s ore, just as the ox-drawn vehicle

daring; but,

, passed along the highway that ran only a few

paces from the sea.

Upon the luggage piled high in the wagon sat
Alena, the octoroon, and her face gleamed with
delight at beholdin her mistress.

The transfer to t e Inger was quickly made,
the slave driver of the team ordered back to
the villa, and once more the little vessel headed
along the coast in the direction of the Red La-

goon.

As she ained an oiling Don Diablo glanced
astern an said, calmly:

“ There comes the schooner in chase.

“Pablo, we must make this craft fly. for it
has a rich freight on board not intended for
Spanish booty.’ '

 

CHAPTER 11:.
A nurmsna’s mm

As the logger sped along under full sail,
though the w nd was increasing in violence
(123m moment and the seawas very rough, Don

0 took the helm of the little craft, and by -

his side Nita Sabinas took a seat and watched

him.

She recalled, as she glanced backward and
beheld the Spanish schooner coming rapidlyon,
that the life of the man she loved was in deadly
peril, and she remembered how he had saved
that life in his escape from the villa, by swear-
ing to sacrifice her. _

ut, as she gazed on his face, wholly indifler-
ant to the danger that threatened him, if the
pursuing vessel overtook him, her admiration
or the man rose the higher, and she loved him
the more. ' ~

True, he was more than double her years, yet
he did not look it. ‘ . -

Could a man‘ so hardened crime us must
be Don Diablo, still wear the andsome, fasci-
natingface that he did who had professed to
love her? '

h Smilfi 'was her question, and she answered it
erse . '

The truth was, Nita Sabinas had become fas-
cinated with the man, and he held her wholly
at his mercy. j

She had saved him the da of the Wreck, she
had nursed him in his su ering, and she 'had
drank clee of the intoxicating cup of love, and
cared not ff she would find dregs in the bottom.

She had listened to his low, musical voice in
tellin her stories of strange lands; she had
been eld spellbound b his voice in song, and
charmed his master uch upon her ha and
guitar, wh a he had proven himself an or at of
no mean worth, and, in fact had brought her
under his influence as the snake does the bird.

That he was'other than he had
himself she feared; but yet she’loved im, and
she would cling to him, come what mi t, and
be his crimes upon others as black as midn ht.

That he thus held a. charm u on her w ich
she could not shake ofl. Don Dia lo well knew,
and he loved her as he had never loved but one
woman before; one woman who had roven
false to him‘ when he was a mere yout , and
had made him, by that act, the guilty man he
had become, for, driven to madness by jealous
fury he had taken her life and the life of his
rival, and fled to'the sea for refuge from his
crime. .

Since then he had hated womankind, and had
delighted to bring misery u on them; but with
Nita Sabinas it was difleren , for she had saved
his life, and hearin the basest accusations
against him, still lov him, and he swore that
he would never desert her.

Such were the thoughts that were flitting
through the brain of Don Diablo, and the oung
and trusting girl at his side, as the little ugger

resented

ave you now~

 

bounded along her heavy ressure of canvas
threa nin to drive her on or the wavos.

'But t e c lot was a skilled seaman, and often
rescued the luggef. {Lop destruction b asude
den movemen 'o the tiller; when t e ci‘ew
thought it would be impossible to have her re-
cover from the incline upon which sudden gusts
of fierce wind would force her.

“Had we better reef, senor captain?” asked
Pablo, reall alarmed for the logger.

“Pablo, 0 you not know me better than to
suggest what I shall do on my own vessel?"
said Don Diablo, in his calm, but threatening

we .

‘PrBut, sailor, on are making us all take fear-
ful chances for ife,”€ersisted the Spaniard as
the lugger gave anot er swoop to leeward, but
was rescued most skillfully. _ ‘

“Pablo, go forward I” was the stern com—
mand. ‘

“The men are with me, senor, in thinking the
risk you make us take is terrible.” ‘

“Then for you, my dear Pablo, there shall be
no risk; it shall be a certainty.”

With the last word of Don Diablo he threw
his pistol forward, which he had hastily drawn
from his belt, and with the flush the Spaniard
fell to the deck, and a lurch of the lugger car—
ried him OH on the wild waters.

With a stifled cry, Nita Sabinas hid her face
in her hands to shut out the scene, for the wildly
figghtened eyes, from which life had not yet
fl , were turned u. n her, as if to im lore
mercy, and the ban
the crests of foam.

f‘ That. seemed cruel, my dear Nita, but it

pod an incipient mutiny in the bud," said

grasped convulsive y at

Don Diablo, in his cool wa addressing the
maiden but with his aze fix n n the crew
forward, all of whom ad run their feet at

his act, but quickly crouc ed own again at
catching his burnin eyes fixed upon them. '

“Oh! it was crue l how could you do such a
deed?” cried Nita, tear-fully.

“ Nita, I do not know these men for they
are not of my old crew, and knowing that there
is a price on my head, and a rich one too, and
expecting a large reward from your father for
restoring you, they would willingly give me
up to yonder pursuing vessel.” '

She seemed not to hear his last words, but
on to dwell on the first:

‘ Knowin that there is a rice on in head.”

She l'ook him now fairy in the ace and
said earnestly, yet in a low tone: ‘

“There is a price on your head then?"

‘3 Yes 77

:‘¥rou have deceived me then?”

‘ es.

xgou’are not Captain Austin Aubrey?"
o.

“ Not an American 3”

“ Yes, but I acknowledge no land as my own. "

“ Oh, Heaven have mercy l”

“ The sea is my home, Nita”,

“.And‘ our fiagil’ ‘

“ I wil describe them to you, Nita. ”

2:17:ng ” ' ‘

“gs-3501' I carry two.

u ' ' ' i
“ IY‘evlmolifitgthe peak, another at the fore.”

“ At the peak I fly a flag of sable line, with a.

red arm and hand u holding a white skull.”

He paused, but a 9 made no reply, and her
facetwas bowed upon her knees.

Then he continued: ‘

“At the fore I carry a flagwith agreen field,
representing the as? and flying over the waters
is the form of an ol bag, or Glpsy, in black. ”‘

“Mother of God, have mercy! you ive the
well-known emblem of the Sea G pay EJor-iir.
the vessel of—” she paused, as if oppressed with
horror, and he said in his quiet way:

“0! Don Diablo.” - -

“His vessel, the Sea Gips , was sunk byan

rican cruiser ofl’the n h ooasti” ‘ .
“Yes.” A _

“ And on are—”

“ Don iablo men call me,'Nita."‘

The very softnessof his'tone kept her from
crying outin horror and she remained silent,
and no word was spo en for some time.

Then she said plaintively:

“Oh, how con d on deceive me thnsi”~

“ Because I lov you, Nita. and loving you
would notgivo ouu , be I what I ma ," was
the answer, an be aid one hand soft upon
her shoulder. '

“ But, as though stung by an adder, she
sprung to her feet, crying angrily and With
flashing eyes: '

“ Back! do not touch me, for I hate you, Don
Diablo, the Pirate.” v

' CHAPTER X. I x
, LOVE AND HATE.

Humor had the stinging words left the lips
of Nita Sabina-i, when there was heard a ring-
ing about forward, and‘the half-doom men who
formed the lugger s crew came running aft in a

bod .
“gem with'him,a.nd sell his head, lads!"
shoutedtheleader. , \
“Take him alivsl he’s worth more,” yelled

o

 

u

\

8

The Scarlet Schooner.

 

 

“The gal sides with us,” cried a third.
D‘Ezmwas certainly a critical moment for Don
o.

ger was rushing throu a speed that
threatened to send her to the bottom, pressed as
she was with all her canvas.

Her decks were fairly drowned with water,
the wind and waves were momentarily increas‘
ins, and astern, two leagues away, came the
sc ooner in chase, and also under clouds of can-
vas. '

His hand was upon the tiller of the logger,
and alone guided it through the wild sea.

His crew was rushing upon him with cutlasses
and istols‘, and he was one to six in the strug-
gle or life.

U n the windward side of the lugger, cling-
ing the ratlines, stood Nita. Sabinas, her face
w ite, her lips stern, and her eyes turned with
reproach, indignation and sorrow commingled,
upon Don Diab 0.

And the chief?

Stood at the helm, calm, resolute, and at
with a glare in his dark eyes that was bale iii,
and fearful to look upon.

On rushed the crew of the logger, the
golden reward they hoped to get, causing them
to forget tle den or of the sea, should t e lug-
ger be left to itse f.

“ Back, devils‘l"

The cry broke in roaring, thundering accents
from the lips of Don Dish 0, and his right hand
slid “$1 pistol, while his left still firmly grasped

or.

_“No, Don Diablo, we will have you dead or
alive, " shouted one of the mutineers, and he
sprung upon the chief.

But there was a flash and report and the man
fell dead in the cockpit. ‘

What" followed was the work of an instant,
for, compelled to release his hold upon the
helm, the lugger swept a}; into the Wind with
terrific force, and tone 0 water fell u n her
sackfl carrying one of the mutineers o to his

t

ea .
But the others, shoutin to each other to take
. the chief alive, threw- heinselves upon him
with their cutlasses, and a fierce, combat was

be . .

flplendid Swordsman, Don Diablo, who had
hastily drawn his blade, parried their attack,
and under other circumstances, where he had
atfig'm footing, might haVe kept his adversaries
a y. ' v .

But standing below them in the cock it, with

. the In ger riding wildly, and pressed ard by
men w 0 also knew how to use a. sword, they
got under his nerd and he was in their grasfi.

No, not in t e grasp of the four, for one y
dead beneath his feet, and another hung back,
blinded by a blow across the face.

Powerful as he was Don Diablo felt that he
was in the wer of his assailants, for a blow
on the hen. had greatly weakened and half-l
stunned him,L and he felt that all was lost.

But no, there suddenly came a sharp report,
and one of his adversaries let go his gm of his
throat staggered back, ras ed ho] of his

w I comrade, and a to of the lugger
which ip a huge wave on her deck, sent
them both a watery grave.

At the same moment another shot was fired,

and’Don Diahlo’s last foe went down in a heap.

But on him fell the tall form of the chief, ust

. as Nita Sabinas sprungforward, and threw -
selfdownb hisside. ‘ .

“No. no, is not dead! he shall not die, but

live fnor me, for in spite of his crimes I love

hi . o

gueh was her cry, and she placed her band
over his heart as she spoke.

“He is merelyhnconlcioul; stunned h the
lastnblow saw dealt him; but he sh not

She glanced quickly over the sea as she spoke,
and  that the Spanish schooner was creeping
upon em.

Instantl , a thorough sailor, from her living
on the we and being taught by her brother
in early childhood, she got the lugger again
under way, and exerting all her strength, eld
her on her course whi e at her feet la the
prostrate form of on Diablo and the inn r
sailor.

Away flew the vessel once more, and Nita
Sabinas muttered stele: -

“Better that I run t is craft beneath the
waters thanlive tosee him garroted as a pirate.”

CHAPTER XI.
sunk no! .
IN the rou h waters t at the little lugger had

to stru le tough, the nish schooner stea-
dily ned upon er, not the six miles of an
hour fore were diminished to five.

At her feet still lay the form of the man she
had told she hated, and yet loved to such a de-
greeof intensity that she had come to his aid
in his hopeless struggle, and taken life to save

Presently a dash of y in his upturned
face are him somew

I t, and, after awhile
his eyes slowly opened. _

But they seemed dimmed, and were fixed
upon no object, roving listlessly.

The sea was runnln ve and the la -
88h this i 8 i

“Great God! can the blow have crazed his
brain?" she cried, in tones of commingled an-
guish and terror.

He heard her voice, and, with a seeming ef-
fort mrned his gaze upon her.

She smiled and spo e to him in a low, sooth—
ln , loving tone, for she dared not leave the
h in to approach him.

He lay) giet for an instant, seemingly
soothed y or tones, for his eyelids again
closed over the bedimmod orbs.

” Oh, will he die, after all? must I lose him
forever!

“ Or will he go mad?" were the questions that
sprun to her lips.

Again the eyes opened, and much of the dim-
ness was gone, and he smiled faintly, while he
passed his hand across his brow slowly).

She watched him anxiously, and card his
softly-spoken words:

“ ou hate me then. Nita?” -

“ No, no, I do not hate you; I love you with
all my heart.

“Only live and I shall be happy,” she an-
swered, fervent] .

“ I shall not die, sweet one, though you were
the kind angel that saved me just now."

He arose to his feet, glanced astern, and
then down upon the body of the dead seaman.

Without a word be bent over and raising it in
his arms cast it into the sea, while in spite of
herself Nita Sabinas shuddered at the perfect
indiflerence he showed at death.

“We are now captain and crew, Nita, and
we must do all we can to escape from yonder
Spaniard.” .

“ He is gaining fast," replied the maiden,
glancing astern. '

“ Yes, his large hull hel
sea; but he shall not

firmly.
“ hat would you do, Aus— No, no, I can-
not call you by that name, for it is not your
own,"sbe said excitedly. . .

"‘Cgil me by my own name then, sweat

a.

“ I know it not.”

“It has not been breathed by my lips for
long ears, and all who know me believe me to
be a. exican; but I am an American, and long
ago, when I knew no crime, when I was as in-
nocent of wrong-doing as you are my name
was Nevil Vane, and I was the last of my

“Nevil Vane; what a. gretty name! oh, that
you had never been force to change it for—~”

“ Reno Quesala. the Mexican Corsair. or Don
Diablo, the Red Rover,” he said, bitterly.

“I will call ou Nevil,” she remarked, quickly,
as tho htoc ange the currentpf his thoughts,
and see 3 that the schooner was more re idl
gaining as the waves ran higher, she a de :

‘But what are we to do to escape from yonder
vessel?"

“‘1 am within a league of the shore, as you
see, and will head for it and beach the lugger;
once in the forest we can def pursuit, for
we can seek some hacienda, get orses and go
on to the Red La con, if you cannot walk.”

“How far is it in here?"

“Three lea ues." . _

' “ Then hol on as long as you can; but in the
mean time I will go into the cabin and prepare
what things I can take with me and rouse poor
Alena, who seems stupefied with terror.”

Descending into the cabin of the lugger Nita
found her octoroon maid crouching down in the
midst of the ‘pile of baggage, wailing and weep-
ing in an ny of terror and misery, for Alena
was no or, and what with se'asickness and
fright at the struggle on deck, and the belief
that they were in the hands of pirates, she was
nearly beside herself. _

But Nita guieted her fears and bade her come
on deck an at some fresh air, as a nacea
for her seasic ess, and, with the li ht- carted-
ness of her nature, Alena was soon erself once
more. »

With calm face, and watching every motion
of his vessel and his pursuers, Don Diablo held
on his way until less than a league divided the
schooner and the lugger. _

Then, seeing that to hold on along the coast
would result in the overhauling of be logger
before two hours more, his keen eyes glanced
along the wooded shores for a good place to
run n and make a landing and he said, quietly:

“Make a package of such things as you neeldfl
Nita, and Alena can carry them, while I w'
care for you. ”

“goo intend to run ashore then, Nevil’l” she

him in this rough
e us," he answered,

“Yes, it is our only chance to escape, for the
schooner is coming rapidly after us— Hai by
the saints! we are saved 1” ,

His cry turned the eyes of both Nita and the
octoroon in the direction of his gaze, and. they
beheld a. large vessel standin out from the land
and having come, apparent y, out of the very
forest, for no inlet was visible.

“ it is the lugger of El Saltador, Nita; he has
saen our flight, and is coming to our aid.”

“ But can he reach us ere the schooner does?”

“ Yes, for yonder craft can almost fly,”

“ But the sc ooner may fire upon a larger ves-

 

 

sel than this one."

“ Let them do so; Conrado can answer back."

“ But the bigger that anchored in the bay was
unarmed.”

“ Her guns were in the hold; take my glass
and you will see iron hull-d chained at each
port, now," cried Don Dish 0, exultantl . and
even then the little lugger seemed to und
more swiftly forward at sight of the vessel com-
ing to her aid.

 

CHAPTER XII.
WALKING run rLANx.

Tin-r those on the Spanish schooner recog-
nized the large lugger, that had so suddenly
stood out from the shore to the~ aid of Don Di-
ablo, was evident from the excitement on board,
for, in ite of the fierce wind that was blOW<
ing, ree s were shaken out of the sails, and
her course was so changed as to get into a posi-
tion that would have the two vessels between
the Spaniard and the land.

Unmindful of this maneuver, and, in fact, not
gparentl minding the presence of the cruiser,

onrado stevan signaled to Don Diablo to run
further inshore to get into the lee of the land,
where the waters were not so rough, and the
two luggers were at once sailin fora given

int, 1: ie wind on the starboard 0 one and the
rboard of the other.

Discovering their intention, the Spanish com-
mander at once opened fire upon the l r lug-
ger, hoping to cripple her but seeing t at the
two would be alongside of each other within a
few moments more, he was urged by Don Isa-
doro to fire upon the little craft. .

“ But, your sister?” said the young Spaniard,
with surprise.

“ Better be killed by our fire, than become
what that devil will make her,” was the stern
res muse.

‘ You mean it. Don Isadoro, that I shall fire
on the little luggeri"

' “I do; it is the only hope to save her, and
death will be a relief to her." ’

“ Forward there, at the guns 1” called out the
Spanish captain. ‘

“ Ay, ay, senor,” answered the bow gunners
in a breat .

“ Turn your guns n n the smaller craft; but
fire to cripple her stic s, and not her hull!"

The order was quick] obeyed, and the third
shot brought down the u ‘ger’s foremast.

A shout went u from he anish schooner
at their success: at ,Don Dia 0, with a mut-
tered oath, sprung to his feet as his crippled
vessel broached to, and, drawing Nita toward
him. said, calmlyz’

“ Have no fear, my brave girl; Conrado will
soon reach us.”

“I do not fear, senor; but that shot tells me
how bitterly my brother feels toward me, for
he would rather see me dead than your bride,"
she answered, instinctively discerning why the
schooner had fired upon them.

It was now a critical moment for those on the
little lug er, for the waves dashed ovu' her
decks, an alone, Don Diablo was unable to
lower her remaining sail, which as the boom
was caught by the wreck of the foremast.
thiregtened to capsize it at any passing gust of
w n .

The schooner was also coming on at full speed,
and was scarcely two miles away while the lug-
g‘er was fully half that distance in them.

But calmly Don Diablo and Nita stood await-
ing the alternative, while Alena, weeping and
availl‘lng, had thrown herself prostrate upon the

co .

A few moments thus passed away, the schoon-
er firing steadily at both in gers, and then the
rescuing craft sw aronn under the stern of
the smaller one, e skillful hand of Conrado
Estevan laid her almigside, a dozen forms
sprung down upon the deck of the crippled po-
lacc and the next instant Nita Sabinaswss on

> the buccaneer.

‘A shout ydvent :11 hgrom tvl’iiiathcfiew as, followzd

ger moi , an men er bagga ,s e
by peered in the lugger’s cabin, lea on
the arm of Don Diablo.

“Set that craft on ‘fire, lads, and ump on
board, for we must get out of range 0 onder
Spaniard’s fins," called out Conrado tevan
from the he .

Quickly his order was obeyed, and the two
luggers swung apart, the smaller one on fire,
just as Don Diablo came from the cabin.

“ The sei'ioq'lta dro this, captain,” and An-
ton placed in is ban a crumpled piece of pa-

per.

Glancin over it the face of the pirate chief
rew blac with passion, and his 6 es fairly
laced beneath the - dark brows as e turned

them upon Conrado Estevan, as he shouted:

“Ha traitor - ou shalldie for this! forward

there, Mendez, incente, Gomez 1”

“ Ay, ay senor captain,” cried a trio of voices,

and severe seamen came aft at a run.

“Do you obey me on this deck, devils, or you-

der man?" and he pointed to Conrado Estevan.

“You, good ca tain," answered a number of

voices, fairly f toned at the livid face and
burning eyes of e pirate chief.

“Thenrigaplankforah'aitortowalktohis

death on.”
All looked startled, but those ordered sprung

,3.-. ,

,3.-. .

 

 

"The Seals Schoofiere

9

 

 

Io obey, as again came an orderfrom theset
1 :
pg Now seize that traitor and bind him i”

He pointedto Conrado El Saltador, who, are
he was aware of what the chief intended, was
seized and securely ironed, just as Vincents
called out:

” The plank is ready, sefior captain.”

“Then, Conrado Estevan, the Leaper, if you
are not a coward you will take that road to per-
dition,” hissed the infuriated corsair.

“ I am no coward, Don Diablo,” was the firm
response.

_ “ You are a traitor though, and hence I pun-

ish gm.

“ cu lie in your false throat, sir pirate,” was
the angry retort.

“No words; yonder lies your walk, take it,
or suffer death by torture, ’ was the merciless
re. use.

Saltador cast one glance at the lugger,
which was. flying seaward with fearful speed,
and then he turned his eyes upon the Spanish
schooner, now not a mile distant, and steering
so as to heed the buccuneer of! before he coul
gnaw omng, while a hot fire was poured upon

e use

Then he glanced over the crew and saw that
there’waa no hope, for they stood cowed before
the terrible chie , who stood regarding him with
sav menace. - ~
“ n Diablo, I have done you no wrong: but
I am in your power, and 1 shrink not from the
death you condemn me to die.

“ But, cruel devil that you are, ms. the fate
that you now visit upon me, one da yours."

He ceased speakin and ate pe glpon the
plank, while Don Die 10 said his ear, but
ironical tones:

“ Now, sir, my compliments to Satan, and tell
him that Don Diablo sent you.”

CHAPTER XIII.
A LESSON WELL LEARNED.

“ Win-r madness is this Captain Nevil Vane?”

The voice was that of Nita Sabinas, but the
words were ringin , and the real name of Don
Diablo pronoun then and there, caused him
to start visibly and turn pale, while he wheeled
upon the speaker.

The condemned man, Conrado Estevan, also
heard that question from the maiden’s lips, and
he too turned inst as he was about to step fear-
lessly forward nto eternity.

He beheld Nita. Sabinss as white as a co 3,
but with angry eyes bent upon the chief, w is
her form was drawn up, her bosom heaving,
and her whole attitude that of indignant re-

roach.
p She had just ate ' out of the cabin, where
Don Diablo had is t her with her octoroon maid,
and just in time to save the Cuban from walk-
in the lank into the see.

he held him, white-faced but fearless,
proudly holding himself up, and with flashing
e es meeting t e punishment Don Diablo was

tidg upon him.

“Back ate the cabin, Nita, and do not con-
test my humor " angrily said the chief.

“No, Nevil Vane, I will not return to the
cabin and I will contest your cruel humor,” she
said haughtily.

“What! do you me?” and it was evi-
dent t Don Dia lo was losing his temper
with t a maiden.

As her answer was about to leave her li a
shot from the schooner tore through the ul-
wnrks, killed one of the seamen wounded an-
other and knocked a water cask to atoms.

But with a steady voice she s he:

“I dare rebuke on Don D able, when you
are going to take eflife otfhthe mémnto whom

ouowe our swaps rom egaro e.

y “ He isza traitor, Nita.”

“A traitor, and to whom and what?” she
asked scornfully, while El Saltador and the
crew ooked on, with what interest may well be
imagined.

“A traitor to me, his chief."

“I owe you no allegiance Don Diablo; like
yourself I am an outlaw, and we became can-
fréres incrime merely because it suited your
fancy and mine so to be.

“ on saw in me one to aid, or rather 51m
tect you, and I saw in you n valuable y;
hence the compact.

“No, oh no, I am no traitor,” was the bold
rep] of El Saltador.

‘ Ibis paper will prove otherwise, senor," and
the chief held up the piece of crumpled paper
which Nita had drop .

Conrado, at the Big t of it, did not change a
muscle, while Nita grew a shade paler.

“Do you say that you did not write this?”
asked Don Dia lo, triumphantly.

“NO, I wrote it.”

“ 0h, do not judge him by that; he knew me
when I was a. girl, and knowin you as you are,
he sought my home and threw t at note of warn-
ing into my open window.

“ Read it carefully, Don Diablo, and see that
it only 1m lores me not to leave home, kindred,
and all I old dear, to become the bride of a
man whose _name and whole life have been
blackened With infamy and cruelty.

“ Do you Wish me to regret that I heeded not

 

y.

 

his warning?” and the tears came into the
maiden’s beautiful eyes.

“ Oh, no," sneere Don Diablo, “but do on
say that he was not a traitor to me, to t us
warn you against me i”

“ He was truer to his hope of saving me from
ruin than to his allegiance to you."

It was an unfortunate remark, for Don Dia-
blo’s face darkened again, and he said, angril :

” In my mind treachery is worth of dent ,
and that man, Conrado El Saltador, s doomed.

“ Gomez, get a. handspike and urge him to the
walk he so shrinks from, and from which this
lovely lady would save him.” ‘

The face of the Cuban flushed at the insulting
words, and the obedient seamen sprung to obey
the command of his cruel master.

But all were struck dumb with horror at see—
inngita Sabinas suddenly draw from the folds
of er riding habit, which she still wore, a small
silver-mounted pistol, and press it against her
tom le, while she cried in resolute tones:

“ ive the order for that brave man to take
his death-lea and I send this bullet to my brain,
Don Diablo, he Pirate.”

“Nombre de Dios! Nita Sabinas, what would
you do?” cried the chief, in dread alarm.

M: Keep my word, by the love of the Mother

l" -

“1N0, you will not do a’ crime like that?”

“ A , will I, for I learned the lesson well from
you, on Diablo when you protected your life
with a knife held over my heart.
fir: 9rder that man released from his irons or I

i

There was no doubting her intention to keep
her word, for firm resolve was upon every fea-
t“? ‘3‘ hi” ’33:: llbo a - h

nas speungazmuner,
while El Saltador said calmly: g p0

“ Senorita, do not such an act to save my
worthless, wretched life, for if spared now,
sooner or later the end must come for me. ”

“ I will save your life, Conrado Estevan, or
die. If the latter, the words of that man to me
are false and he does not love me. This wi.l
proy’e if he loves his revenge more than he does
ma. Nita—”

Butas the word trembled on the li of Don
Diablo, there came a broadside from he Span-
ish schooner, hurled full upon the i1 ing lugger.

Then followed a crashing of tim rs, shrieks
of mortal anguish and the bulwark upon which
rested the death-plank was shattered, and down
into the sea sunk El Saltador, but whether kill-
ed b the shot of the schooner, or to sink to his
deat , dragged down by his irons to the dark»
blue depths, none could tell.

Momentarily crippled in hull and g, it
was, an instan of peril for the in er; bu above
the uproar arose the trum H e tones of the
indomitable chief, comman ng order, and dis-
cipline was at once restored, the dead and the
wounded alike were hurled into the waters, the
shattered rigging was re aired, and once more
the logger was flying on or we .

Seeing that,in u n uptod
side the schooner h lost considerable time,
while his own vessel’s 8 had not been check-
ed, Don Diablo gave 0 rs to his helmsman not
to deviate from his course and a preached the
statue-like maiden, who stood w to and silent,
gazing down into the wild waters, as if to pene-
trate their foaming depths and discover the
dead formslying there.

“Nita, you triumphed,” he said, in his soft

tones. v
“ Death triumphed, say rather,” was the cold

re .

what was an unfortunate fire from the
schooner, Nita: had it not been for that I would
have proved my love for you and set El Belta-
dor free."

“Nevil Vane, would you have done as you
say?” and she looked him eagerly in the face.

,"Yes, Nita, as I love you i would have done
so.

“ I feared otherwise; forgive me.”

“ Willi ly, my sweet girl. Now return to
the cabin, or I fear for you here amid this fly-
ng iron.”

“And 1you Nevili”

“I wi notbe hit, for Fate does not yet in-
tend me to die; but if I lost you, my darling, I
would not care to live, so go below, please.”

“ And the schooner l"

“'Will not overtake us, for see we have run
the gantlet of the worst fire, and this vessel will
outsail her. ”

“ And then?”

“ What do you mean, Nita l”

“ I mean, what is the destination ,of your lug-

T)

Intuitiver he seemed to understand her mean-
ing, and answered:

‘There isa small seaport down the coast, a
few hours’ sail from here, and thither, as soon
as I dro the schooner in the darkness, I Will
go, as I ave business there with a padre. ”

“Thank you, Nevil, I will not doubt you
again: but ohl'it will be man a long daiv be-
fore I forget poor Conrado tevan an his
sad fate.”

As she spoke she turned away and entered
the cabin, not seeing the dark shadow that again

ver her broad- I

flitted over the face of Don Diablo, or beam. g
his muttered words:

“Nombre de Dias! what if she had seen the
signal I ave Gomezto 3 ring the tra and hurl
E Salt or and his pl into the sea

“Well the schooner did me one good turn,
for with ’El Saltador alive, 1 would fear for my
beautiful Senorita Sahinas, for women are as
tickle as these West Indian breezes.”

With a harsh laugh he then turned away and
ldevoted himself to the duties dayclving upon

1m.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
THE PIRATE AND um PADRE.

Wm a speed that surprised those on the
Spanish schooner, and caused the superstitious
members of the crew to believe that she was in-
deed sailed by the devil the lngger sped away
from her pursuer, and shortly after night came
on easily eluded her in the darkness.

Having thrown the Spaniard of! his track
Don Diahlo immediately headed for a small
sea rt, or rather fishing hamlet on the coast,
an ran boldly up to an anchorage nearly op-
posite the town.

“The padre shall come on board and unite
us, my dear Nita,” he said, as he ordered a boat
alon side, and descended into it.

“ am content, Nevil; but oh! what does in
love for you not drive me to become—the bri e
of a buccaneer,” she said, sorrowfully.

' “ Do you regret it, Nita?”

“ I would regret to give you up more.”

“If you care not to become my wife in all
willingness 1 will return you at once to your
own home n all honor.” . -

“No, no, I love you, and loving you, I am
blind to your faults. ’

“ You are a noble girl, Nita, and I am sorry I
am not more worthy of you.

“ I will not be gone long, and the padre will
return with me; give way, men l”

The boat moved shoreward in the darkness

maiden. v

“Dona. Nita, that seller is awful handsome,
awful nicespoken, but he is awful bad." and
Aliens the octoroon slipped up to her mistress‘s
si e.

“Silence, News you must breathe no word
' net the man am going to marry,” said
its. sternly.

“fonly said, Dona Ni it is a. pitya man
can have such a. handsome ace and ugl h ”

“ Ah, Alena, I would that he were erent;
but whatever he is, I love him.

“Come, let us go into the cabin and repare
for my marriage; oh, how strange it a seems
— its Sabinas to be wedded to a. buccaneer,
and with her own consent.

“Love, love, {on rule these hearts of clirs1
and make them afi’py or wretched; which ‘wil
mine be, I wonder

She descended to the cabin, followed by her
faithful maid and began preparin for her
mamas; [nth the same feelin infiier heart
gm mig t eel in dressing hersel for her execu—

on:

But she had a nature that was governed
wholly by her heart, and having taken the
fearful step she would not retract her pledge.

In the mean time Don Diablo landed at a
quiet part of the village, and, with a word to
his men to be on the alert for his signal, moved
at a brisk stephup the street.

Following e shore for a. distance, be soon
came in sight of a well, within which was
a gloomy-looking home, a still loomier church.
and around the latter were he graves that
marked the last resting-places of those who had
gone into the Great Beyond.

A rope hun on the outside of an iron-studded
gate, and p in it, Don Diablo heard the an.
swering jingle o a bell in the somber house.

Soon after a form approached through the
darkness, and a. deep voice asked:

a“ who is it that'seeks entrance in this monas-

,. .

I A am who would confess his sins, give an
offer-in of old to the church, and ask a service
at the n of the holy padre,” was Don Dia-
blo’s firm reply.

Whether it was the odering of gold that
caused the re to ask no further questions I
know not; ut certain it is that the gatewas
quickly opened and the chief stepped fearleSSly
into the inclosure.

“Come, m son follow me!” said the padre,
speaking, as ad 150.. Diablo, in s nish.

Following him, the chief was 1e to the house,
and asked to be seated in a room that was far
from uncomfortable, and yet was not a cheer-
ful place.

Once seated. and Don Diablo used into the
face of the padre, who returnedt e compliment
with a direct stare, and a look as though he had
before seen his visitor.

The adre was a man of many ears, to judge
by his on white hairs d bear ; but his gait
was firm, is form ercc , and his eyes bright
and piercing. .

He was ressed in the order of his church,

 

stern tones:
“ Well, my son, name your business.”

and was soon lost to the view of the watching ‘

and after seating hunself asked in deep, almost

 

‘51.$*>'PL“ firea-r: -

3%... . .w W. _ w.

 

4“ First, I wish to give you this as a souvenir, "
and Don Diablo tossed a wellsfllled purse of gold
upon the table. - -

The padre poured the contents out and made
no comment, though it was evident the sum
pleased and surprised him. ,

“ Well, you would confess, I believe, my son?”
he asked.

A rude laugh broke from the chief‘s lips, and
he answered:

“ No, that was a bait to get you to admit me.

“ I have more to confess, padre, than you
have years to listen to, and all the absolution
you could give would be but mockery, for I am
sold to Satan forever and aye.

“ But I need your services, and will pay for
them. ”

“ What can I do, my son '11”
“1 have an idea to marry; the lady is youth-
ful, beautiful, rich, and a ood Catholic.’
‘ And marriesyou with er free consent?”
II Yes-71
“ She is not forced to do so, then?"
H No ’7

“ Strange.”

“ What is strange, adre?" .

“ That she is not orced into a union with

ou.’ -
y “Ask her."

“ And she knows you?"

“ Whatl do you know me?”

it Yes." ‘

“As what?“

“ A pirate.” '

“ Ha! have we met before?”

“ 1 hope we never shall again."

“ Don’t dodge, padre; have We ever before
met?” .

it Yes.” .4

3 When?” ”

some years .

“ Where?" ago

“ In Havana.”

“ And on race

“ Yes, on Diab OK”

“So be it; I am Don Diablo, and I desire to
max-W and I wish your services.”

“‘ here is the lady?”

“ On board my vessel."

“ And your vessel?”

“ Lies within a few cable—lengths of here.”

“ You are hold to run in here, where cruisers
come almost daily."

“ I left one to come here; but what care I?”

“ You may be taken and garroted."

“Your prayers, you claim, protect you; my
guardian spirit, Satan, protects me,” was the
reckless reifily. .

' “ We w one day see which is the best pro-
tected, you or I, my son."

“ Very well, padre; but for the present we

act; so come, I wish you to go with me
upon my vessel."

“ I canno ."

“ I will pay you one hundred pesos.“

me?"

“ Money will not tempt me, my son.”
“ Whatthen?"
“ If, you wish to marry the lady, bring her

“ I dare not."

“ Then seek a priest elsewhere.” ‘

“I cannot. " . . '

“ Then our interview is at an end, my son.”

“ I an no, for ou must 0 with me. ’

“ L here, 11 Diab o, red-handed sea-
rover that you confess ourself to be, you can-
not buy me to do that w ich I care not to do,”
was the stern rleiply of the padre.

“Bah! my p co is not enough; you want a
thousand pesos," was the insulting retort.

“ No gold will not buy me.”

“3 you will marry me to the maiden if I
“ her here?” , di i i n

“ Wegfigpon one con 1: on.

‘: That Intell her who and what you Ire.” ~

‘ 0 so.

“ Well, brin her within the next hour.”

“ Why not a once?" ‘

“ Because I have a sacred duty to perform."

“ So be it: I will be here within the hour
padre,” and Don Diablo wheeled on his heel an

eft the gloomy abode of the padre.

 

CHAPTER xv.
UNFORGOTTEN FACES.

HARDL! had the gate closed upon the tall
form of Don Diablo, as he started upon his re-
turn to the In ger after Nita Sabinas, when the
padre raised is clinched fist in the darkness
and shook-it after the retreating pirate, while
he cried With almost savage earnestness:

“ Aha! Reno Quesala, the curse of sea and
shore, I have you at last, for an All-wise Power
has led you into my hands, and your days, ay,
your hours are numbered.

“ Marry you to some innocent girl whom you
would drag to misery, you would have me; but,
oh no, the ceremony would be mockery in your

 

 

human fiend brings up the revenge and hatred I
believed was forever buried in my heart.

“No, no, this white hair and heard disguise
me so that he does not recall in face.

“And yet his deeds turne my hair and
heard white.

“ Here is the wound he gave me in my side
and which he believed had killed me; but, no, i
did not die; I lived to face him once more and
have mg reven 6 upon him for the wrong he
did my eautifu daughter and myself.”

While speaking the padre had stood at the
gate, his hand uprnised and slowly shaking, as
if in menace.

Suddenly he turned and walked rapidly back
{alonhis gloomy home, and entering touched a

e .
A dark-faced man entered, one who evi-
dently had African blood in his veins, and was
the only other occupant of the old budding be-
sides the padre.

“ Nana, go with this letter to the captain-
commandante, and return with him, coming in
by the gate of the cemetery; here is the key.”

Nana took the key and a hastily-written note,
and then disappeared in a hurr , leaving the
padre pacing to and fro eviden ly in painful
reverie.

Within half an hour there was heard the
sound of feet without, and it recalled the padre
to himself, and he said, anxiously:

“ What if he should have arrived before the
commandante. No, it isnot the pirate; ah, senor,
I am glad to see you,” and the adre turned to
a young Spanish oflicer who ha followed Nana
into the house.

“Padre, the commandante was absent; and
your servant telling me your note was impor-
tant I opened and read it,” said the young man,
who wore a lieutenant’s uniform.

“ You did right, my son; and your men?”

“ Are with me six in all.”

“It is a. small force, for they are to meet a
most desperate man."

" Who, mav I ask, holy father, as your note
simply stated a noted pirate?”

“ on Diablo.”

“ Hal if we can but secure that human fiend
we are indeed fortunate.

“But I have six ood men with me.”

_“ Vghich with axis. and myself will make
nine.

“A match for half‘a dozen pirates, at any
rate; but you, adre, will not surely jom in the
flgh if it shou d come to that?” -

“ es, for Don Diablo made me a priest. as
the sorrows brought on me b that accursed
man made ine'enter the churc , and he shall
never escape my just revenge.

“ But come, senor, place your men just here,”
and theegadre drew aside a heavy curtain that
conceal an alcove in the room.

The half-dozen soldiers took their stands with
the lieutenant, behind the curtain, and the
padre resumed his seat at the table, Just as the
gate bell ru violently.

and at ’it tliedmi allow,d if it its thle chic:
an s ry sai epare,serny,ye
wifh perfiogt calmness, though hisface was very
pa

9. l‘i‘nock on no door.

l
With the invitation in ste Don Diablo,
and leaning on his arm was its. Sabinas, pale

yet calm.

Behind the two came Anton, and then Alena,
the octoroon, and stepping into the room the
doorwas closed hehin them.

“ Well, padre, i have obeyed your command,
and as the mountain would not 0 to Moham-
med, Mohammed has come to a mountain,”
said Don Diablo, with a sneer. I

“You are welcome, my son; is this your bride
that is to be?”

“ Yes, Padre—Padre— I declare I know not
your name."

“ Infelix, my son.” .

“ An unhappy name indeed: but in spite of
your prayers, penitence and piety ou_ padres
manage to keep in the sunshine of 1i o, it seems
to me, and ive the shadows the go by.

“ Here ita, this is the most oly Padre In-
feli'x, and priest, this is the Senorita. Nita Sa-
binas, who desires to become the Senora Reno
Quesala.” _ .

The padre turned to the maiden, and asked in
his dee tones:

“Maiden, have you thought of the step you
now would take l”

“ I have, father,” was the firm reply.

“You wish to be married to this man?”

s H I do. ”

“ You know who he is?”

i L I do"!

“ That he is—w”

“ Don Diablo, men call him.” .

The padre fairly started at the word: of Nita
for he had felt convinced up to that momen
that the pirate chief had deceived the maiden
as to his real identity. '

:zéndgmowing this you would marry him?"

. es.

“You love him more than you abhor his

crimes?”

e.
Nana disa earedand soon after therecame.

“ He will bring sorrow upon ou.”

“ I will take my chances as a women do who
marlrly.”

“ e may end his days upon the gallows."

“ 1 will be there to soothe his last hours."
“He may die within the hour, leaving you a.
widow.” . .
“ 1 would rather be his widow than live with-
out him,” was the firm response, while Don Di-
ablo broke in with:

“ You paint shady pictures, padre; but go on
with our work, for time flies. ’

“ es Don Diablo, from this moment for you
time wil fly all too fast, for you are my pria
one'r I”

The riest’s voice rung like a clarion as he ut-
tered t e last few words, and he stood pointing
at the chief while the curtain was thrown aside
and six soldiers stood with muskets leveled at
the broad breast of the chief, while the omoer
cried sternly:

“Yes, senor pirate, surrender or die!”

Nita started back with a cry of horror, and
then threw herself upon the breast of the chief,
and twined her arms around his neck, as though
to shield him from danger by her slender form.

And Don Diablo‘i

Not a muscle of his face chan ed, unless it
was to have a scornful smile curl a out the lips,
while his dark eyes glowed first at the Span—
iards and then at the padre. .

“ Do you surrender Don Diablo, or shall the
soldiers fire?” asked the riest.

“Nita, release me, while I have a word with
this holy padre,” was the cool response, and
there was something in the tone and look of the
man that caused Nita'Sabinas to instantly obey_
though she still remained at his side.

“Padre, do you consider me blind, that I did
not know your face?” asked Don Diablo, with a
sneer.

“ Know me?” gasped the priest.

“ Yes, Don Hildos, of Mexico, I know that we
met in the long ago, and that I deemed you
ldelilid, for the wound I gave you was meant to

l . I

“ Your hair has grown as white as snow, and
your beard has cheerifed you greatly, but my
Eyes" are not deceiv , your face is not forgot-

on.

“Then, Reno Quesala, the irate, you will
know that at last your red pat was ended by
my hand.

“ In misery, in des ir, almost maddened b
what your crimes le tme, Iturn to the churc
for comfort, and believed I had forever forgot-
ten revenge.

“ But no, your coming here this night, to drag
another youn girl to ruin as you did in poor
child, arou the devil in my nature, an I de-
termined to entrap you an forever end your
dark deeds.

“ For this reason I would not go upon your
vessel, but lured you here, and now six 8 ' h
soldiers cover your heart with their ns, and a
move on your will sound your oath-knell.

“Now, sir, ow that you owe to me your
death. a .

“ Place him in irons, senor lieutenant, and
lead himto prison, from whence he shall only
walk forth to his death.” -

Obedient to the command of the padre, the

pa oflcertmoved forward, sword in one
hand and irons in the other.

But sudden] ‘he halted at the gharplEsopoken
command the issued from the lips of 1: Di-

ablo:
“Hold! Move one step, Senor Spaniard, and
you are a dead man 1”

CHAPTER XVI.
A rannn AT nav;

THAT the stern command of Don Diablo
startled both the padre and Spanish oficer,
may well be inferred, when they believed him
wholly in their wer, to see . assume an at-
titude not only eflant but hostile.

“ What mean on, sir pirate?” asked the Span-
iard. gazing wit fiery eyes upon him.

“Just what I now tell you, senor; yOu, your
men, and this padre here, are my prisoners, not
I yours,” was the cool reply.

“ You area fool, Reno Quesal the pirate, for
these soldiers cover your heart with their guns,”
remarked the padre in angry tones.

“ Not_ such a foo as you take me for, Don
Hildos, if on thou ht that I did not know you
recognize me as did you, and saw through
your plot to entrap me.”

“And have done so for those men will kill
yogrif you raise your hand to roost,” said the
pa 9.

“A better death to die, surely, than by the
garrote, or at the yard arm.”

“You seek that death then.  you?” eagerly
asked the Spanish oflicer, making a motion for
his soldiers to be ready. . .

A light laugh broke_from the lips of the pirate,
and he answered in his calm way:

“I seek not death of ansy kind; but when it
comes I will meet it fearles K.”

“This talk is nonsense; eit er surrender your
arms or I will give .my soldiers orders to fire
upon you,” stern y said the Spaniard, and at his
words, Nita moved once more before the man

 

 

 

case.
“Fatherkforgive me! but the sight of that

it

she so madly loved.

a-

 

“ Sir Spaniard, and you, padre, let me repeat

that you are my prisoners, or a score of guns
cover your hearts," and pushing Nita gently
one side, the chief cried in ringing tones:

“ Devils, show yourselves i”

The result was a. complete surprise, and an
alarming one‘ for the Spaniards and up: padre,
for a dozen men bounded into the open door,
and in each of the two grated windows ap<
peered several musket muzzlcs, covering the
hearts of those who had believed Don Diablo
wholly in their power.

“Now, sir priest, it is for me to make terms,
for you see you are entrapped,” coolly said the
pirate, as the Spanish officer and his men low-
ered their arms, in token of submission, well
knowing the utter madness of resistance.

“You hold the vanta e, Reno Quesaia, as al-
ways you seem to do; ut you crn make no
terms with me,” was the bold reply of the padre.

“You shall see if you do not obey my com-

mands ” the chief said, sternly.

“ I obey the commands of no man.”

“ We 5 all see; I came here with this lady to
have you make her my wife, so put on your
robes and get to your holy work, for I would
not tarry here longer than there is need for.

“This Spaniard and his men may be witnesses
of the ceremony,” and Don Diablo turned satir-
ical] toward the Spaniards.

“ will not commit so vile a sacrilege, Reno
Quesala ” said the padre,-flrm1y.

“ Will not, are two strong words,‘padre."

“ I mean ust what I say. ' -

“ B the
you s all.”

“ You have no power to make me do wrong. "

“ Men, seize that padre.”

The crew of the lugger quickly obeyed their
chief, the priest offering no resistance.

“Mateo, you are a man without heart, so I
order you to do my bidding," and the chief
turned to a villainous-faced Mexican who stood
near.

“ Si, sefior,” answered the Mexican, quietly.

“I have ordered this man to perform the rites
of marriage between this lady and myself."

“Si, sefior,” again said the Mexican.

“ i1give him just one minute to say whether

eaven you adore, but I say that

he w or not.”
“I will not," boldly interru ted the priest.
Unheeding the remark Don iablo continued:

“If he obe s, well and good, and I will pay
him gold in a undance. ‘

1 “But, Mateo, if he refuse, then you do your
c uty.

“And that duty, sefior chief 9” asked the
Mexican.

“Then never again shall he perform a holy
rite, for I shall leave my mark upon him,” sav-
agel said Don Diablo.

” nd that mark, senor chief?" asked Mateo,
in aha some quiet way in which he had before
spo en. _ r

“ I order on then, Mateo, to cut his tongue
out of his v e throat. ’ .

A hurst‘of horror broke from every one pre-
sent even from the 1i 3 of- the pirate crew
while Nita Sabinas va nly tried to speak, but
seemed terrified beyond movement or utter-
ance.

“Now, padre, you know your doom; one
minute have you to obey or refuse, and Mateo
will do his work;”.

“I will not do your bidding, Reno Quesala,
suffer what I ma ,” was the unflinching reply
of the Padre Infe ix.

“Then, Mateo, do your work so well that
even the angels cannot understand his mumbled
prayers,” was the savage command.

And at the cruel order all started, exce t the
priest himself, and the Spaniards seem half
inclined to attempt a desperate struggle to save
the adre, who stood pale, but calm and fear-
less fore his enemy.

“Senor chief, this adre is a priest of my
church for I am a Cat olic, and I refuse to do
your bidding,” said Mateo. ' I

With burning eyes Don Diablo wheeled upon
him while he hissed forth:

“bog of a. Mexican, vilest cut-throat that
sails the seas, do you refuse to obey an order of
mine?” _ -

“Against this padre, yes, senor chief.”

“Then you shall die!’

Out from his belt was' uickly drawn a pistol,
and the flash and report ollowed.

But, with the ring of the weapon mingled a
piercing shriek, an two forms fell upon the

oor. ‘

Those two were Nita. Sabinas and Mateo, for,
to shield the man from death at Don Diahlo’s
hands, the maiden had thrown herself forward,
and the bullet had cut through her flesh and et
fiiil {ound its destined mark in the heart of he

ex can.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
THE RETREAT.

“Nommu: m: DIos! I have killed her!”

The or was heartfrendin in its thetic sor-
row, an , uttered in the ful intensity of grief,
even affected those who heard it from the lips
of on Diablo.

pringmg forward he kicked to one side the

l

g The Scarlet Schooner.

11

 

 

body of the dead Mateo, and raised in his arms
the beautiful Nita.

Pallid as a corpse, and with no sign of life,
she lay upon his arm, the crimson blood stain-
ing the dress, and the lovely e es closed, it
seemed as thou h in death’s last s eep.

By her side nelt Alena the octoroon, dazed
with grief, and ip the background stood the
in er’s crew, silent and grim.

pen the other side was the padre calm,
tourism and sorrowful, and behind him the
Spanish officer and his soldiers stood like stat‘
ues.

“ She is not dead, but I fear me they die; but
whether she lives or dies, Don Hildos, thou ac-
curseg padre, thou shalt not escape me this
time.

“I am ready to meet death even at our
hands Don Diablo for you have-taken rom
me all that I held dear in the past, so why not
take my life?”

The padre spoke without the quiver of a
nerve and faced his implacable foe with un-
daunted mien. ‘

“I will take thy worthless life, Don Hildos,
and this time there shall be no doubt but that
my bullet goes home."

As he spoke, in his cool, cutting tones, and
still supporting the wounded maiden upon his
left arm and knee, he drew a second pistol from
his belt and leveled it.

“No, no, senor chief, do not, I implore you,
commit a crime so foul," cried the Spanish oili-
cer, springing forward.

But the weapon already covared the heart of
the unmoved adre, and, at the words of the
Spaniard, the nger touched the trigger.

But thou h the flint struck fairly the powder
flashed in t e pan, and no report ollowed.

Instantly Don Diablo'turned deadly pale, and
arose to his feet, still holding in his arms the
unconscious Nita, while he said, in a hoarse
vome:

“Don Hildos, I owe alie ‘ance to but one,and
that one is my master, atan: but my teach-
ings are to spare the one I fail to kill upon a
th rd trial.

“I have tried three times now to take your
life, and, havin failed, I now spare you.

“. Back to the ugger, men l”

He turned, as he issued the order, and with-
out another word strode awayI bearing Nita in
his strong arms, and with t
treadin close on his heels, while his crew in si-
lence f0 lowed him. '

At the gate they came upon Nana, the padre’s
servant, under the guard of one of the lugger’s
crew. -

“Release that fellow and come on board,”
sternly said the chief, and he continued on his
we to the shore, sprun intoawaiting best
an his crew followmg, a were soon on board
the lugger. . -

” Get under way at once, Anton, and have the
men at their guns, for the fort will give us a.
greeting as we go by," said the pirate, Eterlslltfii
and he went on into the cabin of his vessel,
closel followed by the weeping Octoroon.

“S ience, ‘rli’u he said, Ital-nly, as he laid
Nita ntly own upon a lounge, and then bent
over er and stripped the dress from her fair
shoulder.

As he did so, the act di la n a marble
neck, through one shoulder o w to the cruel
bullteit had cut its way, the chief cried, fer-
ven : A
“ Thank God! it is but a flesh wound, and the
shock onl caused her to faint.”

Instant the 6 es of the maiden opened wide
andl gar into is own, while the soft voice
so: : »
“ es I am not severely hurt, but it is your
mark, evil.”

“Forgive me, Nita, and forget the act, for it
was not meant for you," and the chief knelt be-
side her.

“ And he for whom it was meant?” she asked,
significantly. ‘

‘He disobeyed my orders,” was the evasive

re 1 .
P‘ “here is he?”
“Dead "

“ 0h, Nevil!” and she covered her face with
her hands.

“ Nita, do not blame me, for remember I live
upon a powder magazine, as it were and if I
relax discipline one instant, all would be lost,
for these mad devils would quickly and my
career.”

“ Give up the life you lead, Nevil.”

“ How can I?”

“I will show on.”

“Where, in t e wide World, could I find a
refuge?” he asked, plaintively, and into his eyes
came a hunted look.

“ Nevil, the navies of the sea have tried hard
to capture Don Diablo and ut him to death,
and they have failed; but have taken on,
and I w i not put you to death, but ea ,ra or
live for me, and we will 0 far from ere an
try, in our own love, to ury the past and its
red scenes.

“ Will you go, Nevin"

He had been quietly and skillfully dressin

 

the wound as they-were talln'n together: bu
at her words he paused, and : '

e wailing Alena ‘

 

‘ “Ah, Nita, the only joy for me in life is to
min le in combat with my fellow-men.

“ at to you I will be all that I can bk Ha!
there opens the fort upon us, and I must on
deck."

He kissed her brow as he spoke, sprung to his
feet and ran upon deck, to be‘ met by Anton,
who said, gravely:

“Senor chief the fort opens as you see, but
we don’t mind that, as we can run by; but look
there!”

He pointed, as he spoke, to the mouth of the
inleg a. mile below, into which was just coming
the panish schooner that had before beenin
chase of the lugger.

CHAPTER XVIII.
A GANTLET or FIRE.

“ANTON, I’ll take the helm.”

“Si, senor chief,” and Anton stepped aside,
as Don Diablo, having caught sight of the
Spanish schooner coming in, and which he
readin recognized with his night-glass, took his

lace at the helm just as another shot' came
mm the fort for the lugger to heave to.

“The commandant 0 that fortress is a fool.
if he thinks I would obey his iron summons,”
muttered the chief, and calling to his crew he
ordered all sail spread upon the lugger.

Instantly the order was obeyed, and with an
alacrity that showed the crew knew well the
danger they were in.

-'.i‘he wind was stiff and strong, blowing a
good twelve-knot breeze and DouDiablo elt‘
that he could force the lugger into a fifteen-

knot pace, for he had the pressure on his .sai's'

from the right direction, and almost a straight
run out to open water. '

Should he find that the schooner could cut
him off, he would try another plan, but not un-
til the very last moment.

And on the lugger went, gaining greater
speed as she got from under the land 3 lee, yet
bringing upon her the fire of the fort, which,
however, flew wide of the mark.

“Those accursed Spaniards are too nervous
to aim well; show them that we .are not film
ried, Anton,” said Don Diabio, coolly.

Instantly Anton gave the order, and from
keel to truck the lugger shock with the dis-
charge of her broadside of four guns. .

And straight into the huge ports of the fort-
ress went the iron balls, and then came crash~
ing of timbers, shrieks and. loud orders in the
vorces of the officers.

“ Well done, yedevilsl you showed them we

knew how to aim; give em another lesson,"
cried Don Diablo. r .
Again the lugger’s guns burst forth fire and
me e, and once more it was evident that the
him had been true for but two of the cannon
of the fortress could return the fire.

“If I had my old schooner I could wreck that V

fort,” cried Don Diablo, joyfully; but then he
added, as he glanced ahead: 'r
“Theme is our worst foe, Anton, so turn your
upon him, for he cannot fire, for fear of
coking the town to pieces.”

It was evident that the wil chief had been
holding his course just for t is v u‘rpoee‘.
and had cleverly gotten into a  that
if the schooner fired upon him ts guns would
rake the little town. '

And, at the first shot from the in or, those
on the schooner, which had been rap dly com-
ing up to aid thefort. seemingl having recog-
nized the Tartar they had caug t, realised that
the pirate chief had again outwitted them, for,
though the iron shot went cutting through
their hull and riggin , they dared not return
the fire on aocoun of ing in direct range of
the town.

To extricate himself from this unfortunate
predicament the Spanish captain at once headed
across the inlet, so as to open fire upon the lug-

with his broadside without danger to the

wn. ‘

flip: Dlon Diabgggnstak tit] changed tlielm’uucoursel
o e ugger, ep or 'running. a
with the schooner, while from each broadside
he he top a constant are upon the fort and the
S h vessel.

crew saw his clever maneuver, and that

they were punishin both the feebiy-garrisoned
fortress and the ooner, and themselves es-
caping almost unscathed, and they vo their
chief three rousing cheers, which he 'd notno-
tics in the slightest degree.

Puttin awe on another tack, though still
holding the irection of the town, the Span-
ish schooner tried to throw her enem off, as it
were; but the keen eye: of Don Diab 0 watch-
ing her closely, sent the lugger about instantly,
find hield to her with the persistency of a blood-

oun .

The situation of the two vessels was now one
of deepest interest to all on board, and also to
the garrison of the fortress and denizens of the
town, all of whom had been roused by theflro

in .

EVith the inlet, two miles in width, in front of
the town, and increasing to two leagues at its
mouth, and deep water throughout; the town
on the left bank, and net below it the fortress,
and‘the two vessels, 1: 0 one it mile distant, the
other not half that distance, it can be seen that

 

\
1‘
I
4
1
f
:

 

12

The Scarlet Schooner. ’

 

 

 

Don Diablo held it in his power to escape the
fire of the schooner whose commander dare not
send his shot into the town. .

But the two vessels were nearing each other
rapidly, and the daringlchief soon got his lug.

er in direct range so t at the fortress dare not
re u n him for tear of hurling its iron upon
the so oonel’.

Thus, the pirate by his skillful maneuverin ,
was avoiding the fire from fortress and S ni
cruiser, and at the saine time his iron hai was
tearing huge rents in the fort and also cuttin
the rigging and wounding the hull of his a -
Verlary on the Water. I -

Elated by their success the crew yelled like

madmen, hearing which, and the roaring of the '

uns, yet feeling no shock of iron hitting the
u ger. Nita Sabinas went on deck, for the pain
of. of wound was slight.

There she beheld t e terrible chief standing
fearlessl at he. helm, and, in spite of his
crimed. e loo ed majestically and to her
and she crept to his side, awe b the wild
scene, the thunder of the guns, and he shrieks
of tmzy-maddened pirate crew.

“ t means all this Nevil?” she asked.

“Ah, Nita, you here in-such a. scene? no, no
you must return to the cabin, for this is no si ht
for you: it is fit only to give joy to a heart he
mine.”

" What you revel in, Nevil, I, who love you
c dreesperately, can at least gate on," she an-
swe

“ But your wound, Nita l”

“Is slight; the bullet, as you know but cut
its way through the point of my shoulder. "

“ But will leave a scar that will ever-give me
pain earest.”

“ t will be your mark, Nevil."

“Do not speak of it, Nita; see, the schooner
has discovered she cannot throw me off, and in-
terds to lie in wait for me to run by.

“Now, Sir Spaniard, if that is your game, I
will show you that you can harm me little.

“ At the guns therel"

“Ay, a , senor capitanl” shrieked the wild
crew in c orus.

“ rain every un well, and—"

“Hold! Nev' , you forget that my brother
is on yonder vesse , for I reco ize her now.

“Would you slay him an thus bring my
everlastin curse upon you?”
He chec ed the command upon his If and

turning gazed upon her face, for the b nnacle
Ii 15 shone full upon it.

at he read in that white, firm, beautiful
face caused him to change his mind, for he said,

softlg: '
“ 0 below, Nita I will not fire again on the
schooner, unless—fl

“Unless what, Nevil 1’ she asked, as he

paused.-

“ Unless a shot should strike you; then, Nita
Sabinas, will board yonder craft, few men as
I have me, and not one of its crew shall
esca death.“

His look was so terrible as he spoke that Nita
knew well he would keep his word, and quickly

she away and retreated to the cabin,
while her ears came the order:
“Cease firing, men; we'll run by that craft

now. and once on blue water will show her a
clean pair of heels.

The crew stored in, utter amazement at their
chief: but there was that in the tone of voice
they had heard, and in the tall, splendid form
they saw b the moonlight, standing erect at
the helm, t at forbade all questionin his au-
thority, and they stood in moody si once at
their us.

An now, straight for open water Don Dia-
blo headed his vessel, seemingly unheeding the
presence of the Spaniard.

But, surprised at his sudden silence and see-
inghhis course, the S nish officer steered so as
to end him 0!, wh' e out of range by this ma-
neuver of the town he opened fire u n the fly-
infilugger, while the fortress was so enabled
to ring her guns upon the pirate without fur-
ther danger of sending them eras 'n-g into the
schooner.

But rimly silent under the double fire the
lugger old on, going at a pace that astonished
the schooner’s crew, and, as if by a miracle, es«
c 'ng the shots upon her.

elieving that it was the intention of the pi—
rate to board him, as the two vessels drew near
together, the Spanish captain called his beard-
ers to be ready to repel boarders. .-

Rapidly the two vessels now came nearer
each other, the S nish schooner with the wind
on her star side and with a fairl free
sheet, the irate with the wind almost a t and
the huge ateen sails thrown a-starboard, and
driving the lugger along at terrific speed.

After the pirate th' fort was sending iron
shots, and straight at her the Spaniard was fir—
ing, hitting her now and then, but seemingly
with no fatal eflect. as her rig remained
intact, excepting a few holes cut in the can-
vas.

Nearer and nearer until those on the S n-
iard plainly beheld the lugger’s crew at t eir
guns, stripped to the waist, grim and savage-

ooking, but receiving their fire in silence.

And at the helm, tall, feaifless and guiding

 

the lugger on her way, they saw the form of Don
Diablo.

Nearer and nearer until seein the lugger
veer off, as if to avoid boardin , t e Spaniard’s
order was distinctly heard by t e pirate -

“He sheers away, lads; elmsman ay her
alongside; grappling-irons this way; boarders
ahoyl castl

But, as the irons were throwa the bows of the
lug er sweptawa , her sails were trimmed with
a co erity and ski 1 that was marvelous, and the
grapnels fell into the water and the schooner
swept entirely up into the wind, while the pirate
was dashing away at a. course on a right angle
from that he had a moment before been sailing

on. ., .

Though the shock of a collision would have
been terrible, had the two vessels come together,
the Spanish captain had determined to risk it,
feeling that the lugger would be the sufferer,
and his rage was fearful when hesaw how he
had been avoided by the pirate’s masterly sea-
manship.

His schooner having swung entirely u into the
wind, it was some time before she coul be get
ten under way again and in, full chase. -

This dela Don biablo had quickl taken
advantage 0 , for having run a few len he with
the wind on his starboard quarter, he suddenly
squared away directly before the wind, and was
nearly a quarter. of a mile ofi’, and fairly flying
over the waves, ere the Spaniard could again
bring his guns to bear on him.

Getting out from under the land’s lee, and
also in deeper water, the wind blew fiercer, and
the waves ran higher, both of which favored
the (pirate craft, as the fire of the Spaniard flew
wil , and the speed of the schooner was slow in
comparison wi h the fastsailin lugger.

But the Spanish captain hel on in pursuit
with all sail set, and, as long as his guns could
throw ashot in the vicinage of the lugger, he
kept them at work, though the gunners worked
moodily, having become firmly convinced that
his Satanic majesty did indeed command the
fleet vessel so swiftly disappearing from their
view over the moonlit watermnd seemingly
Enharmedj by the fiery gantlet ough which it

passe .

But hardly had the lugger run the schooner
out of sight, when the gray of morning settled
upolnl the sea, and in the dim light a sail was
V151 e.

Eagerly Don Diahlo glanced through his glass
at the stranger, and then said, while a puzzled
ex ression crossed his face:

‘ Anton, that is Don Isadoro‘s goleta, El Salte-
dor, or I am greatl mistaken.”

. Anton took the g and after a close scru-
tiny said:
‘ You are right, senor captain, it is El Salto-

dor.’

“Who has dared disobey m orde for I or-
dered the goleta to the ren ezvous, ' said the
chief with an an flash in his eyes.

“She may have n captured, captain, and
be now under another flag.

“ True, that might be; we shall see as soon as
the sun rises and we can make out her colors.”

Eagerly all watched the goleta, which was a
league distant, and tacking against the wind, as
if to seek a closer view of the l ger.

“There she flies, senor!" ' Anton, as the
flag of the goleta went up to the peak.

‘ Nombre de Dios! she has been ca ured,”
cried Don Diahlo, as the allow and flag of
Spain went up to the pea of the goleta.

" And we will have to run for it, senor?”

“Yes, for there comes the S nish schooner
astern good Anton, the land es on our star-
boardhere, and that goleta. is, as we all know,
as fleet as the wind.”

“The chances are against us, senor chief?”

“Yes, Senor Anton; but the greater the din-
fiithe more enjoyable is it to me,” and Don

’ blo smiled as pleasantl as though danger
was sc‘mething to be song t after rather than
dreads .

CHAPTER XIX.
ran some AND ran moons.

HAVING determined u n his course, Don
Diablo immediately he ed alon the shore
with the wind aft, and the fleet ugger went
flying throu h the waters as though she fully
realised her ger.

Having discovered the goleta, and also seen
her set the S nish flag the captain of the
schooner, Don oro Sa inas, and the others
on board, gave a. loud cheer, for they felt that
the lu r must now be taken, as there was but
one c ance of escape, and that was to outrun
the El Saltador, which they were confident she
could not do, even if driven by Don Diablo.

But the joy of those on the Spanish schooner,
which was some six miles astern. of the lugger,
was suddenly changed to ief at beholding the
pirate, after continuing is flight along the
shore for a short distance, deliberatel change
his course and head directly for the go eta.

The cause of this strange maneuver was. at
once discerned by a glance at the gokta, which

 

had abruptly lowered the flag 0 Spain from
her peak, and raised in its stead a huge sable

field, in the center of which gleamed a burning
e e.

yThis strange flag was also seen by those on the
lugger as soon as its dark folds caught the
hr (1 wild cheer broke from the pirates,
as on ab 0 crie :

“ Behold! it is the wreckers’ flag!"

Instantly his course was chan ed, and half an
hour after those on the Spanis schooner had
the mortification of seeing the two fleet vessels
lying near together, and a boat passing from
t e goleta to the lugfir.
teIitii thlat MachMm 'ablo saw, for he was of

n vey we. 'ng its up one w o
:Lought a flush to his cheegm then left it

e.

Instantl , with the quickness with which he
alwa 3 ac in moments of danger, he said:

“ nor Anton. hail yonder boat and tell it to
return to the goleta.

“Say also that I will come on board El Sal-
tador.

“ Si, sefior.”

“And you, Sefior Anton, take command of
this Jagger and follow in my wake."

“Si, seflor " and, as Don Diablo entered the
lugger’s cabin Anton obeyed the command
given him, and a voxce answered from the best:

“But I would see the chie .”

“ He will board the goleta immediately.”

Somewhat reluctantly the boat ut back for
the goleta, while Anton ordered he lugger’s
cutter lowered and manned.

In the mean timeDon Diablo had entered the
cabin, where he found Nita Sabinas reclinin
upon a lounge, and Alena the octoroon sea
by her side. _

“Nita, my sweet one, I Will have to leave
you now,” he said, softly. .

“ Leave me?" and she sprung up in alarm.

“Be still, silly child for I only go on board
the goleta, whic I took from your brother, you
remember.”

“ Yes, Alena told me she was in sight, but my
shoulder i inful, and I cared not to move,"
she answere , languidly.

“There is some business for me to settle on
board and as we are near the island rendez~
vous, l will remain on the go‘leta until we reach
there.” ‘

“ And the lugger, Nevil?”

“Will follow close in in wake, so do not get
blue, for we’ll dro the so ooner out of sight in
a few hours, and t en run for the rendezvous.”

Nita made no reply and Don Diablo bade her
farewell and de rted for the goleta.

As he steppe on deck be e the order to
get under way at once, for the panish schooner
was slipping up on the two vessels rapidly
during their st , and almost immediately the
goleta, with the ug er followmg, were stretch-
ing awa out into t e Caribbean Sea.

fWWe , senor, when am I to be taken notice
0

The speaker was the one who had been in the
stem-sheets of the boat that was on its wav to
the lugger when turned back by Don Diablo’s
order, and he approached the chief as he w
aft u n seeing the two vessels under wa . _

At he question he turned quickly, said,
in his pleasant way:

“Well, Alina, what lucky breeze has blown
you on board this golcta r"

The person addressed answered quietly:

“ An unlucky breeze, seller, for the rendez-
vous has been taken, the cabins are in ashes,
and those of the League who are not dead, are
in irons onan American frigate, excepting half
a dozen who esca with me.”

“By the cross but you bring cheerful tid—
ings, Alma,” cried Don Diablo, in an angry

tone.

“ Yes, Don, it seems as if your star of destiny
was going rapidly down in gloom,” was the sig-
nificant reply. .

“ There your red lips speak falsely Alma;
but come with me into the cabin and let me
know all that has occurred, and why I find you
thus masqueradin 1"

Don Diablo led e way into the golefa’s lux-
urious cah' and throwing am‘de his hat and
belt of arms to pace to and fro, while his
companion sun down upon a velvet divan and
attentively regarded him.

Ate. glance t was evident that the disguise
of aman hid the beautiful form of awoman,
for, also removing the cap she wore, a wealth
of red- old hair fell from its fastenings and
drpfipeif around her like a vail.

e face of the woman was oung, beautiful,
and yet marred by a. certain ook of reckless-
ness and lack of honor; for, let a woman com-
mit 33,- heinous crime, and almost indelibly is
its impress left upon her face.

Men may sin day after day and their faces
hide the Vileness of their hearts; but when a.
woman has once fallen from grace and lives a
life of hidden sin, its stamp upon her face she
cannot hide.

But I forget that I have gone to moralizing,
when I am writing a. sea story of over half a.
century ago, in t 6 days of piracy upon the
hi h seas.

he face of Alma was beautiful, in spite of
the wicked look resting upon it, and her form
was exquisitely molded, slightly above the aver-

 

The Scarlet Schooner.

13

 

age hight, and willowy and graceful in every
motion.

She was dressed in a sailor suit, and wore it
as though not unaccustomed to man’s attire.

Her eyes were intensely black and restless
her brows dark and curving, and her hair, as I
have said before, a golden red, forming a strong
contrast to her eyes and rich complexion.

For an instant or two, after entering the
cabin, neither the chief or his fair visitor spoke,
and the silence seemed to embarrass the man,
for he gave his head an angry toss, and said:

“I am waiting to hear your story, Alma?”

“ And I am waiting, Don Diablo, to know if
this is the greeting you extend to me after a
separation of months."

“ Pardon me, Alma, but I was worried with
the vexations upon me; and, besides, your suit,
I think, kept me aloof,” and with a smile the
chief bent over and kissed the woman on the

ips.

But yet she seemed not satisfied, for without
returning the kiss she asked:

“ Are you tiring of me, Reno Quesalal"

“Nonsense, Alma, don’t be silly.”

“ I um not silly, senor; but let us discuss that
which is more agreeable to you than love-mak-
ing seems to be of late.

‘ You have lost your vessel I believe?"

“Yes, she was crippled badl by a Spanish
cruiser, and I set her on fire an escaped to the
Florida. coast in my beats.”

“ And lost ysur treasures that had cost so
much blood to gain?”

“The greater art yes; the balance that I
could not take, I ivided with my men.”

“ And could you not get another vessell”

“ Yes, I have a plan on foot to get possession
of a splendid craft, and shall soon know if it is
successful; but to keep afloat I captured asmall
American schooner, and it was wrecked in a
fornng and all on board, excepting myself,

ost.

“ Ah! your namesake never deserts you in
danger or distress," said the woman, with a
sneer.

“ No, the devil certainl protects me,” was
said in the same tone as t at in which the wo-
man had spoken.

“ Where were you wrecked?” asked Alma,
after a pause.

“On this coast, some leagues from here.”

“ And how, without a crew, did on get pos-
session of this goleta and yonder ugger, that

' holds her own so well with her?”

“Alma, it is for me to question, not you,”
was the angry retort.

“As you please: I merely questioned, as ou
seemed not to Wish to in uire of me what as
happened at your strong old,” was the indif-
ferent reply. _,

“ You say it was attacked by an American
cruiser?"

A 3 Yes. 17

“And demolished?”

“Utterly.” .

“ How did the vessel get into the bay?”

“ By the channel.”

“ Of course; but who was her pilot?”

“ Ramilez, your lieutenant. ” _
h‘l‘siga! By the Virgin! but he shall swmg for
t ' . v
“It is catchin before hanging, senor chief.”
“He has tied eni”

“ He certainly is no fool.”

“Go where he will I will et hunt him down
for this treachery,” and he Ramilez, the trai-
tor lieutenant caught si ht of his chief then he
certainly would have fat that were he in his
power nothing on earth could save him from a

earful fate.

CHAPTER XX.
amm’s STORY.

So thorougth incensed was Don Diablo at
the treachery o the man he had trusted, that
he paced the cabin in silence, his lips set his
eyes burning for revenge and his hands clinched.

It was seldom that Alma had seen him so
deeply moved, and to break in u n his tower-
ing rage, that she felt would rank forth in
someungovernable act. it would be madness to
attempt to quell, she‘said, pleasantly:

“ What care you for the loss of the strong-
hold, when you have other places to seek, and
two such vessels, as are this goleta and yonder
luggfr?” '

“ me, they are the means for obtaining
something better, andthere is a. rendezvous
or retreat, I have Ion thought of going to, and
which will be better t an the old one. ”

Almost like magic his manner had changed,
and the storm of rage swept over.

Seein it had passed the woman asked:

“ Had: you done aught to wrong Bamilez?”

“No, other than trust him, which 1 should
never, do, knowing the frailties of man’s na-
ture.

“Judging from your own failings?” she said,
with a sneer.

“ Yes, judging from my own nature, I should
trust no man. ’

“Nor woman?”

“AV, Alma: nor women, too,” he said, bit-

terl§
“ on do not trust me, then?”

 

“ Yes, in your love for me and truth to me.”

“Ha! ha! ha!" la bed the woman.

“ Why do ou lung 1" he asked an 

“ Don Diab o, I have for some time fel thiit
you were tired of me and wished that you
could not trust me."

“This is nonsense, Alma.”

“It is not nonsense, senor, as I can prove.

“You knew that our Lieutenant Ramilez
loved me, or rofesse to, and you left him at
the stronglio d when on sailed on your last
CI‘HISG, hopingnhe woul win me from you—”

me

1

“No excuse, senor, for your spy set on me
betra ed you to me, and—’

h_ t 9 shall die for his treachery,” hissed the
0 ie .

“He is beyond your reach Don Diablo, for
he is already dead; he fell fighting the Ameri-
can sailors to aid my escape from the island.”

“ He lied to you, Alma; I did not set Marti-
nez $13011 ou as a spiy."
dit‘i‘ " on ie, Don ) able, for I know that you

“ Well, on that account you were not untrue
to me,” sneered the man.

“No but my truth to you cost you your
stronghold.”

The chief laughed doubtingly.

“ I tell you that which is true."

“Prove it.”

“Ramil'ez told me of his love and begged
me to fly with him, and that he would live a
different life. H

“ He had jewels sufficient to turn into a for-
tune, and said that you did not love me, and
that he would make me his wife, while you had
dra ed me down to a life of shame.”

“ e pleaded well," was the scornful remark.

“ Yes, but he pleaded in vain, for I drove him
from my presence, and he left, swearing re-
ven 9 upon both you and I.

“ hat night he left the stronghold in a small
polacca alone, and when next I saw him he
stood. at the wheel of the American cruiser,
runnin her into the island bay.”

“ e l, he got his reven e against me.”

“ He got more, for the nited States Govern-
ment pardoned him for his valuable services
and made him a seamen, I heard from a wound-
ed sailor we ca tured.” -

“ Bah! he wi i return to piracy.”

“He may, but he has ruined you.”

“ Why, Alma, you talk like a child; he led
the Americans to capture a. stronghold I have
long thought of giving up, and they gained
thereby seine dozen old guns burned a few
cabins, destroying some small. polaccas, and
killed, or took as prisoners, some four-score men.

“Granted that he had this revenge on me,
and for what I don’t know, where was his ven—
geance a ainst you?”

' “Ah! e intended to capture me, too, and
then have the cruiser wait in the bay for your
return and seize you and your vessel.”

“Had he succeeded in this, he would indeed
have had his revenge.”

“ But he did not succeed, as I put to sea in an
o 11 boat though we had to fight to reach the
aggro and night coming on aided us.”

“ o, besides yourself!” quickly asked the
chief.

“Martinez, your spy: but he was slain, and
the one who killed him I shot, and. one of my
followers dragged him on board the boat; but
he died before mornin ."

“ And who came wit you I asked?"

“Half a dozen of your best men; but we
would have been taken again had not we spied
the goleta running in, and recognized on her
decks familiar faces.

“We hailed her, she stood toward us, and we
were picked up, just as the American cruiser,
piloted by Ramilez, was coming in chase of us.

“Telling what had hap ened to the oficer in
command of the goleta, set all sail and we
escaped from the cruiser and headed for the
Red Lagoon, where he said he had left you in
the in er of Conrado Mariel, which several
times ave seen at the stronghold.

“Now tell me. Don Diablo, how it is I find
Senor Victorio Nunez and a. score of our men
with the oleta, when you said all out e Ameri-
can vesse , which you captured, were wrecked,
excepting yourse i” . '

As Alma asks the question it was evident
that she felt suspicion that Don Diablo had
spoken falsely to her, and she fixed her eyes
upon him with a look that was dangerous,
from the glitter in them.

CHAPTER XXI.
JEALOUSY.

THE implied jealous suspicion in the mind of
Alma might at another time, have passed un-
heeded by the chief; but his guilty conscience
was quick to note her words, and believing that
she might, in some wa , have gleaned the real
truth of his meeting ita Sahinas, he said With
apparent frankness: _

‘Alma, don’t be suspicious of me Without a

 

cause.
“When I was wrecked 0n the Cuban coast, I
certainly could not tell those who rescued me—”
“ Who rescued you, Reno Quesalai” asked the
woman, quietly.

 

“Why, I was dragged from the surf by the
servants of a wealthy planter and carried to his
hacienda with a broken arm and nearer dead
than alive. ‘

“Of course I could not say who I was, and
as particles of the wreck proved what vessel it
was that went ashore, I took the name of her
captain, which was Austin Aubrey—"

‘Austin Aubrey!" cried the woman, spring-
ing to her feet, her face pale as a corpse.

“ Yes; do on know the name?” .

“ Know t e name?" she asked, with sup-
pressed passion in her tone.

“ Yes. ’

“Reno Quesala, did you take the life of Aus-
tin Aubrey 1"

She looked at him in a way that made him
trehiéile,’ brave man that he was.

0

“ Do'you speak the truth?”
U I do. 7’

“ You captured his vessel?”
It Yes Y?

“ Where was Austin Aubrey 1”

“Ashore, with a number of his men and
nearliy all of his officers; the one in charge was
a mi shipman.”

“ His name?" she said, imperativoly.

“Guy Stanhope."

“ Ido not know him.”

“Well, who is this Austin Aubrey?”

“A captain in the United States navy."

“ That I know but what is he to youi”

“My brother.’

“ Your brother l”
(I Yes." '

“By Heaven! I believe you are right, for I
remember now your name is Alma Aubrey."

“True; I was going on the clipper ship,
which was overhauled by the pirate Ricardo,
to oin my brother in New Orleans. .

‘ After a fierce fight with your rival, Ricar-
do, you captured his vessel, d I was saved
by him to fall into your hands, on Diablo.

“1 was a foolish, romantic school-girl then,
‘ust out of boarding-school, and my head was

ull of handsome buccaneers, and you were my
ideal rover, and, being kind to me, mistaking
your deviltr for love, I loved you devotedly,
and was cos y led by you into what I then be-
lieved was a marriage, but which I now know

- was performed by one of your crew rigged out

as a adre.

“ o be it, Don Diablc; you made a fool of
me, and I need not complain of my lot; only, if
I believed you had harmed my noble brother I
would kill you, so help me Heavsnl”

There was no doubting that she meant what
she said, and the chief knew it. -

But his face was emotionless, as be said:

“ I did not kill your brother, Alma, and the
facts are as I told you.”

5‘ I rejoice to hear it; now tell me how you
left hacienda, where you were so long the
es ‘

“ Well, I wrote to Havana to Conrado El
Saltedor, ' whom I knew then onl as one of
the League, but whom I have since amed was
the famous consgirator El Saltador, whom—”

“ Yes, I have eard of him; welli”

“ I sgnt a letter by one of Don Isadoro’s
crew—

“ Don Isadore who?”

“You are strangely inquisitive, Alma?"

“it is my interest in you, Reno; but who was
this Don?”

“ Isadora Sabinas.”

"Well?" ,

“One of his crew, for he owns his yacht, or
rather did as this is the craft, 1 reco ized Is a
man who had served with me, and e carried
my letter to Conrado Mariel, asking him to
come in his lu ger for me.”

“And he di sol"

U Yea‘ ”

“And he brought your men with him!”

“Yes, he knew that I had a number of men
on secret service in Havana, and his crew being
short he took them.” ‘

U Well i" '

“ That is all, Alma.” ‘

“All there is to tell, or all you care to tell?"

“ All I have to telL”

“Think!”

“Curse you, girl, what ails you?” said the
chief. angrily.

” Nothing; it is you, Don Diablo, not I, that
has an ailment.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Has Don Isadoro a daughter?”

H No 7,

“ What?”

He saw her dangerous eyes glitter, and know-
ing how far she was acquainted With all that
had happened at the Villa del Florida he said,
forming his decision how to act with his usual
promptitude:

“ No Alma, Don Isadora has no daughter,
but he has a sister.”

“ A sister 3”

U Yes. 1’

“Ah 1”

Driven on by her manner he continued:

“It is of her that 1 wish to speak to you, for
I owe my escape to her.”

“Indeed?”

 

 

mi  . a“ 3.9;: « ...

 

14

.

rI‘he Scarlet Schooner.

 

“Yes; I was recognized the ver day Con-
rado arrived in his lug er, and Don sadoro and
his friends attempte to make me prisoner,
when _I seized his sister, and threatening
to kill her if I was attacked, escaped to the
lugger.”

u  x”

It was a sigh of relief from the woman, and
the hardness of her features somewhat relaxed,
and Don Diablo continued:

“She is now in my power: but as her father
so kindly cared for me in my illness I, do not
wish to have harm be all her, and ,yet I know
not how to return her to her home.’

“ I can arrange that for you, Reno.”

“You Alma!”

“Yes.”’

it flu.” a”

“ Let me go on board the luggcr with a few
men only and take her to her home, while you
continue on in the golcta. to the island you in-
tend to make your rendezvous, and there I will
join you.”

“It is the Wreckers’ Isle in the Bahamas,
Alma: but I cannot consent 10 your doing what
“you ask; but your suggestion brings to my mind
an idea that 1 can run to the lugger, and after
landing the Senorita Sabinus come on and join
you at the \Vreckcrs’ Island."

“ Will you do this, Reno?"

“ Yes."

" Can I trust you?”

is Yes. i)

The woman seemed lost in sinful thought
for a moment, and then she sai , and her words
were earnest:

“ Reno, without meaning any wrong to you,
some’of the crew of the gall-(u told me of your
wreck and escape through the Senorita Sa‘
blues, and you have frankly confirmed their
words, so I will trust you; but answer me one
question i” v'

“ Well, Alma!”

“ Is this senorita beautiful!”

“Yes, Alma.” '

“ Do you love her?" '

“Why, silly child, loving you as I do, how
could another win my love?” and he bent over
and kissed her, while she whispered:

“Thank you, Reno: but if I thought you
could learn to love her I would kill her. ’

> “ Why, Alma!" he said, with a. start.

“Yes, Reno, and if I thought you cared for
her now, I would kill you.”

A few moments after the Spanish schooner’s

ea in and his guests Were sur rised to see the
go eta and lugger luff up into t a wind and lay

0.
Then a beat passed from “the goleta to the
lugger and back again, and the Spaniards were
the more puzzled to see the two vessels get under
way again and stand off in different directions
from each other.
And the Ipuzzle they could not solve any
- more than t ey could which craft carried Don
Diablo and Nita Sabinas, for the schooner was
not a match for either vessel, and with sorrow-
ful hearts they were compelled to give up the
chase and head for Havana, where on Isadore
swore he would secure a fleet cruiser and search
the seas over to run down Don Diablo.

CHAPTER XXII.
UNDER FALSE canons. .

SEVERAL days after the parting of the oleta
and lugger, a. vessel of the latter class, ut a
clumsily rigged craft, with high stern and bul-‘
warks, and wearing a look of having been Se-
verely weather-beaten, put slowly into the port
of Havana. r ‘

The emcers and sentinels on duty on the
Moro Castle simply glanced at her as she sailed
below them, considering her some coffee (r
sugar dro her unworthy of notice, with her
dingy hul , chocolate-colored, and severely
patched sails, and half-Indian, half-nego crew.
’ But had they taken a. really close look, they
might have seen that in spite of her clumsy ap-
pearance she possessed certain trim lines, and
carried strangely large spars and tall masts for
a mere plantation trading vessel.

Upon the decks were several ne 0 seamen
and Indians, the latter half-breed escendants
from the noble tribes that once inhabited and
ruled the West India islands.

At the helm was a. white man, heavily beard-
ed, and standing near gazing over 1: 6 high
b wax-ks at the grand but gloomy Moro Castle
and fortress, was a youth, dressed, like his
older companion. in rough sailor garb.

Running close inshore, toward the lower part
of the city the drogher dropped anchor between
two vessels, the outline and beauty of which
made her appear even more homely.

One of those vessels was the Spanish schooner
that had been compelled to give u the chase of

—both the goleta and lugger and t e other was
also a schooner, but one of such superb sym-
metry in hull and riggin as to attract the at-
tention of the seamen 0 all other vessels an-
chored near. . -

At her peak hung the American flag, and her
open ports and frowning guns showed that she
was armed, though her crew seemed strangely
small in numbers, as only a score of men were
Visible on board.- '

 

The beauty of her hull and rig at once riveted
the gaze of the helmsman, and apparent com-
mander of the drogher, and he gazed with un-
disguised admiration, and evidently with the
eye of a thorough seaman, at the vessel.

From the exceedingly long and very narrow
hull, with its razor-like bows, up to the remark-
ably tall, slender masts, that had a most saucy
rake to them, he looked with evident satisfac-
tion, after which his eyes fell upon the arma-
ment of five guns, brass twelves, to a broadside,
and two heavy pivot guns, a thirty-two fore
'and aft; next he took in the circle of muskets
and cutlasses around the masts, and the glitter-
in rows of boarding pikes along the bulwarks.

lling the youth to his side he said some-
thing to him in a low tone, and then the two,
after looking for a few moments at the beauti-
ful vessel, went into the drogher’s waist and
passed over the bulwark into a shore boat one
of the crew had hailed for his skipper.

Landing at a deserted quay the two wended
their way along the harbor street until they
came to a part of the city almost wholly given
up to sailors’ boarding-houses and pulpurias, or
Spanish wine-shops.

Approaching one of these they were about to
enter when a man in sailor’s uniform stepped
up to the drogher’s skipper and said in a low
tone:

“ The disguise is all right, captain, but that
princely walk of yours does not become the

arb.

Instantly the skipper's hand dropped on a
knife in the red sash he wore; but apparently
reco izing the speaker he said quickly:

“ hi is it ou, Senor Campus?”

“Yes, my ear captain, wholly at your ser-
vice,” was the reply of the handsome young
sailor.

“ How in the name of the saints did you recog-
nize me?”

“By your walk and form, senor, as I also
recognize that the pretty clipper sailing in your
co anywould look betterin petticoats than—”

“ oldl Senor Campas, not a word more,”
was the stern reply.

“As you please, Don Diablo; but come, let
us enter Vigne‘s pulperia, as this is no safe
place for a. man to stand who has a. magnifi-
cently enerous price set on his head,” and with

' a li ht augh the Syounglsailor led the way into
anis

a 31 e-door of a. wine-she and the dis-
uised pirate chic and his comra e quickly fol-
owed him.

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
susrao'rnp.

IT was an hour previous to the meeting in the

streets of Havana of Don Diablo in disguise, ac-
companied by his youthful companion, with
the seaman he had addressed as Senor Cam s,
that the latter person was rambling a ong
through the more fashionable part of he city
than that of the pulpem’a quarter, when he
passed three gentlemen whose appearance
could not fail to attract his attention.
’ One was a dark-faced Spanish ofl‘lcer of
thirty, clad in the full attire of a major of cav-
alry; the second was evidently a Cuban, and
were a. sailor suit of handsome cloth, while the
third was in the undress uniform of an Ameri-
can midshipman.

As the young sailor met the three he ave a
fight start when his eyes fell u n the punish
0 car; but, recoverin himse f immediately,
was passin on‘when t 6 eye of the Spaniard
fell upon him, and he too gave a. start of evi-
dent reco ition.

Half-ha ting, he gave vent to an exclamation,
and said to his companions, in earnest tones:

“ Do on see that man yonder, sefiorsi”

The th replied in the affirmative.

“ ell, if I mistake not, hole a. noted con-
spirator.

“He wears the suit, Major Alvarado, of an
American sailor," averted the one in midship-
man’s uniform. I

“That may be, Senor Sta-nhope; but I feel
convinced he is none other than Caliente, the
youn conspirator.” . _

“I ave heard of him, and behave he was to
have been garroted but escaped in some way,”
remarked t e Cuban, whom the reader will rec-
ognizeas Don Isadore Sab1nas,tbou h his hand-
some face was full of sorrow, and ooked hag-
gard and stem.

“ Yes, he is one and the same, and as we have
reported to the Governor-General, and must
await his decision, Sabinas, as to your going to
sea in an armed cruiser, let us hasten on after
the fellow, and if he be the one I believe him to
be I will arrest him.”

‘1 How will you know, major?” asked Don
Isadore. .

“ l’ll request our friend here, Midshipman
Stanhope, to address him in his native tongue;
if the man s ks English perfectly I am mis-
taken. as Caliggte ip a Cuban and I think knows
no other language; will you thus oblige me,
Senor Stanhope?’

The midshipman readil consented and the

rec hastened on after t e youngI sailor, who
never quickened his pace, thong}; e evidently
saw their approach and knew i; t he had been

 

the subject of conversation.

 

“Ho, lad, to what vessel do you belong that
flies the stars and stripes?” called out Guy
Stanhope, as they came near.

The man addressed quickly turned, and, at
seeing a commissioned oificer politely saluted,
and answered:

“To the American schooner-of-war Wizard,
sir," was the prompt reply, and in English that
certainly had an accent.

“ She lies at anchor in the harbor, having run
in here for stores, I believe?" continued the
midshipman.

“ Yes, sir. ”

“Where did you ship in her?”

“In Baltimore, sir, where she was built,"and
the suspected man looked the young American
ofl‘lcer squarely in the face.

“Th nk you, my lad,” and Guy Stanhopo
turne awa , a strange look upon his face, and
said to the panish officer:

“ Well, senor, the man speaks English as you
heard.”

“ Yes, sefior, and I thank you; but I still
doubt him, and if you Will pardon me for leav—
ing you i will follow him, for upon his head
there is a large reward that will help me out of
debt,‘ if he be Caliente, the conspirator.”

“ Certainly, senor, but I warn you not to
trouble him if he prove an American, and I will
say ood-by, for I will report to the captain of
the Vizard, it bein the only vessel of my na—
tion in port, and see not how I can serve
Spain or Don Isadoro further.”

Both the Spaniard and Cuban seemed loth to
give the young midshipman up; but Major Al-
varado was so earnest in his pursuit of the
sailor be suspected, that he bade Guy Stanhope
a hasty farewell, and promising to see Don Isa—
dore again at the Palacio, sprung into a passing
rolante and ordered the driver to keep the sus-
picious seaman in sight. -

A moment after Don Isadore parted with the
American, after thanking him for what he had
done to aid him in the rescue of his sister, and
once more at liberty Guy Stanhope walked
rapidly down toward the quay, muttering to
himself:

“By Neptune! but that sharp-eyed S anish
major is right, for that manis Campus Ca iente,
who saved my life in this very town two years
ago, when an assassin attacked me; but I would
not betray him for the world.

“What he is doing in Havana now, and in
an American seaman’s garb, I would like to

know.

“Well, I only hope he will throw that major
off his track.” '

So saying the lively oung midshipman con—
tinued on his way to t e quay, and soon after
was on board the beautiful American schooner,
where, to his delight, he knew her commander
and received a most cordial welcome.

 

CHAPTER XXIV.
A summons FOE.

BENT upon running his game to cover, for
Major Alvarado still believed the man in the
dress of an American sailor to be Caliente, the
conspirator, the Spaniard slowly followed him
in the oolante, unseen by the one he watched,
though keeping him constantly in sight.

The secret 0 his dogging the sailor’s ate he
had unintentionally betrayed when he spo e of
the high rice set on the Cuban’s head as a
revolutionist, for being a fast man, and a card-
gliger, Major Enrique Alvarado was deeply in

e .

The on ture of Caliente would pay those
debts an give him a handsome sum left over
in hand.

But he would not make a mistake in his man,
as he wore the dress of an American seamen
and had been recognizedas such byan oficer of
the United States navy. r

Still he would never give up the trailth he
was certain one wa or the other. ..

As the sailor, a ter glancing up and down
the streets, appgrently to see if he was watched,
took his way the uarter of S anish wine-
shops, the ho of jor Alvar o arose: and
when he saw im turn Into Vique's pulpen'a, a.

lace long under suspicion, he was positively
happy, and called out to the driver to drag
him at the first sailors’ clothing store be con]

find.

A shop of this kind was close at hand. and
the major sprungnout, dismissed his oolante,
and entered he d gy place.

Ten minutes after a man came out in sailor
garb and few would have believed that be.
heath the red and blue striped woolen shirt,
red skull-ca , and white canvas pants, was the
dashing at, e to the Governor—General of Cuba.

But it was so for he had put his new pur-
chases on over his upiform, and hidden his hat
in the folds of his sash.

With an assumed slouching gait the ap—
proached the pul ria he had seen the young.
seaman enter, an walked boldly in. ’

It was a winevshop of the lower class, and a.
score. of men were seated at the tables drinking
red Spanish wine, and smoking cigarritos made
of the commonest kind of tobacco.

At first he believed the sear-an had escaped
him; but presently he espied him at a table in

/ - , 4

 

M

I

 

the corner, a bottle of wine in front of him, and
a cigar between his teeth.

With his assumed walk he approached the
table, and dropping down into a chair, said in a.
maudlin tone:

“ Senor, drink a. glass with an old friend, i
won’t you i” i
“ I do not know you, senor,” was the quiet I
reply.

" But I want to know you, seller, for I like 1
your people; wish I was an American my- !
self.”

At this the seamen took a second glance at
the speaker who had forced himself upon him,
and there flashed in his eyes a quick glance of
recognition.

But not a muscle quivercd, as he said with a
light laugh: ‘

“ Well, senor, as you like Americans, and are l
pressing in your invitation, l’ll drink with
you.

“ All right; call for the best in the shop.”

The wino was called for, and evidently know-
ing thc‘young senman, Viquo brought a fur dif-
ferent kind from the villainous stuff he served
to his ordinary guests, and the Spaniard paid
the s:ore from a wellviilled purse.

“You s; cuk Spanish like a native, senor,”
said Major Alvarado, after they had drank a ;
glass together.

“ I am a native of this island,” was the quiet
re 1 .

fire major started, for he was now certain of
his man, and said in his maudlin way:

“ You remind me of a poor fellow I met some
years ago, and whom I deeply pitied, for I was

alf his way of thinking.”

“ Who was he, seiiori”indifferently a‘sked the
Seaman.

“ Campos Caliento was his name.”

“ He conspired, with others, I believe, to free
Cuba from Spain; but was captured and sen-
tenced to be garroted.”

“ That is the man; poor fellow, I would give
much to see him now, for I have good news for
men of that stripe.”

“ Indeedl then your wish can be gratified,
for, senor, I am Caliente, the conspirator.”

“ And you are my prisoner,” was the sup
pgessed words, as t e ma'or drew from his

som a. pistol and levele it directly at the
heart of the Cuban.

A light laugh broke from the lips of Campas
Caliente, and in an easy we he said:

“ Why Major Enrique lvarado, you have
overreached yourself in dogging my steps, for
you have but to see that this table sets back in
an alcove, and glance upon either side of you
to observe the s ightest movement on your part
will be the signal for your death.”

The horrified Spaniard did glance to the left
and then tothe right, and he turned pallid at
what he saw there.

And no wonder for a sliding panel in each
wall had been pushed aside, and from them ap-
peared two hands holding pistols almost n
touching distance of his head.

“ What means this outrage upon an om'cer of
the crown?

“ Hoi good men and true! to the rescue!” and
Major Alvarado wheeled toward the saloon to
summon aid from those present. ‘

But with horror he saw but a blank wall be-
fore him, as a. large sliding door had noiselessly
closed up the entrance to the alcove.

“Major Alvarado, your voice can never be
heard by those without, so sit down and-hear
me,” sai the seaman, sternly.

Involuntarin the major sunk into his chair,
av? his vision of blood-money fading from his

ew.

“ You did all you could some years ago,
when,“ a. boy, I was led into a conspiracy, to
have me garroted. .

“ You captured me in my own house, and
your act broke my poor mother’s heart, and she
died. never seeing me again.

“ Her death Ila upon you.

“ Again, when might have been cleared by
the Junta. that tried me, you urged them to pass
sentence of death upon me; but I escaped that
doom and fled to America. _ ‘

‘fNow you have tracked me here, and in
domg so have discovered secrets that no man
unless he be a. member of the League, must
know and live.

“To save your life I have no war; but to
show you that I do not willfu y put you to
death, I will give you a. chance for your .ife.”

“ In the name of the Virgin! what is it?"
asked the terrified man, for he felt that his love
of blood-money had led him perhaps to death.

“ I will go, with others, into the tribunal
hall, on the floor above this, and Will meet you
with either sword or pistol.

“ If you kill me, I pledge vou that you shall
be set at liberty one Week from today.

“If I kill you, then shall‘I he revenged, and
not one of your friends shall ever learn aught of
your fate.’

“ You spoke of a. League; may I not join it?”
eagerly asked the Spaniard, grasping like a
drowmn man at a. straw. \

“ No, or no man who 'is Spanish born will be
admitted.

' seniors.

ThemScarlet Schooner.-

 

don’t prove yourself a coward as well as a. vil-
lain.” ' '

The words of the young Cuban aroused the
Spaniard’s spirit, and springing to his feet he

cried, sternly:

“ Lead on where you choose; I.will follow.”
Alonrr a passageway, lighted by a taper.
although it was bright daylight, the Cuban 1( d ,
the S auinrd; then up a. pair of stairs, that
gave )ack no sound to their steps, and intoa !
large room the walls of which were thickly '

padded, and were not broken by windows.
Several tapers were burning at one enll‘of the
room upon a table, around which several men
were seated.

Glancing up they seemed surprised at the ap-
pearance of the Spanish ofllcer, but the senman
said, quietly: ‘

“It is Major Enrique Alvarado, my foe,

“ Ho dogged my steps here in disguise, and I
have promised it he kill me with either pistol
or blade, he may go free one week from this.
“if 1 kill him, I will have taken a. load from
oil’ my heart. ”

“You may Well promise that, Senor Cam-
pus," said one of the men, and the others
smiled.

“ I am ready, seller,” and the seamen turned
to the Spaniard.

“ One minute, lease,” and Major Alvarado
hastily disrobed imself of his disguise, and
stood awaiting in his uniform.

“ What weapons do you prefer, Major Al-
varadoi” politely asked the Cuban.

The Spaniard was a superb swordsman, and
readil y answered:

“. Swor i”

“As you please, senor major- take your
choice of these," and the Cuban aid 8. dozen
upon the table. I

The major, after a careful scrutiny, selected
the one that suited him, and Campus Caliente
togk up its match, and the two men faced each
0t er.

From the first the Cuban was calm, almost to
indifference; but the Spaniard was nervous and
very pale, yet fought with consummate skill.

A few passes, a few arries and thrusts, and
the combat ended, for giajor Enri ue Alvarado
sunk. upon the floor with the bin eof Campus
Caliente in his heart.

Without glancing even at the man he had
slain the young Cuban left the room, and then
the pulperia, to come upon Don Diablo and a
youth in disguise, and lead them back into the
wine-shop.

Ten minutes after his departure from the
Tribunal Hall he reéntered it, accompanied by
Don Diablo and his young companion. ‘

Instantly the eyes of the latter fell u n the
prostrate form of the Spaniard stil lying
where it had fallen, while the half-dozen men
at the table were conversing as busily as before
the fatal interruption, ap arently unmindful of
the resence of death in t eir midst.

ith an exclamation of horror the youth
started backbgigving:

“ It is the y of Major Alvarado, the very
man my brother wished me to marry. ’

“ Yes, it was Ma or Enrique Alvarado, but be
is dead now, for I illed him in a dueuo a. short
while since ” was the unmoved response of
CampasCa en .

CHAPTER. XXV.
A rw'r mm A Pluzn.

WHEN Don Diablo entered the Tribunal Hall
there was an instant hush among the men at
the table; their low, earnest conversation
ceased, and all arose, for Campus had re-
marked: .

“Camaradas, here is the chief, our Bird of
Paradise in the plumage of a common sea-gull;
but come as he may he is we come.”

"Welcome, senor chief,” said the others, in
chorus, though there was that in their manner
that Ihowed their welcome was from a whole-
some respect of the man, rather than love of

him.
“My youn lieutenant, the Sailor Florida,
sailors,” said on Diablo,b we. of introducing

his young companion, and hen timing to Cam-
pus Caliente he continued:
“ Well, senor, what has been done in the
matter agreed upon when last we met in New
Orleansi’
“ I am here in the garb of an American sea-
man. yow notice, chief?” answered the young
wman.
H Yes. 7’
“ The vessel of which I am boatswaln lies at
anchor in the harbor.”
“ And what vessel is it?”
“ An American schooner.”
“Hal anchored near the Spanish schooner
that lies of! the old stone fort?” asked the chief,
quickly.
“The same, Don Diablo; she is lmown as the
Wizard.” ,
“ I saw the craft, and never in my life did I
behold such symmetry of hull and rig; she
hould fly like a hurricane, Campus,” said Don
Diablo, with enthusiasm.

 

 

“ But she is an American, and—'Z

“Senor chief, I am not one to wish to do
harm to an American vessel; the schooner was
built in Baltimore and armed in Washington,
but §}le i? for the Mexican government.”

ti  ll

“Yes, seller, and through courtesy, the
Americans detailed three ofllcers and twenty
men to carry her to Vera Cruz."

“ A small crew.”

“No larger than a more working one was

, needed, for she was not intended to fight, only

to run, until she reached her destination.”
“True, and why did she come in here?”

“ To brng dispatches to any American cruiser
that might be here that Don Diablo, the noted
pirate, had not gone down with his vessel, de—
stroyed oil? the Florida coast, but had captured
a United States schooner-of—war, and was again
at sea.”

“ Ah! well, that craft has also gone down,
and I am here in a trim, swift-sailing lu ger, so
thoroughly disguised in hull and rig, t int she
lies within half a cable’s-length of a Span—
ish SUhOOflCI‘ that has chased us for several
days."

“ You are too reckless, chief, I fear."

“0h nol I take big chances, but they turn
out we l; when l slip up, I am ready to take my
full; but, tell me, what is your plan regarding
the schooner?"

“ When I discovered this beautiful craft, and
learned she was for the Mexicans, I did not look
further, or attempt to have one built, but slipped
on bear 1 of her, and here I am.”
“ And your plan!"

“ Well, senor, knowing that Vera Cruz was
her destination I sent half a hundred fine fel-
lows, whom I knew of in New York, to Vera.
Cruz ”

“ You sent them there?"

“I wrote at once to Monsieur Vidoc there,
telling him to send the lads, by various vessels,
at once to Vera Cruz, and have them there
ready to ship on board of an armed schooner
that would come in and then fly the Mexican

g.
“The Mexican Government likes American
sailors, and most of them are such, the others
bein Gulf seamen from various lands." .
“. inci all pirates, you mean, Campos?”
said D%n iab o, with a smile.

“ W oily pirates, senor chief.”

is Well?”

“ The men now in the schooner are my cattle;
that is, l shipped them, and these will make sev-
enty, and she needs a complement of a. hundred
for heavy work.”

“ I have the balance.”

“ When the Mexicans get her from the officer
now in charge, her crew can take her from the
Mexicans, and—”

“By the Cross! Campus Caliente, you have
conceived a noble plot to win a prize, and you
go as my first lieutenant ” said Don Diablo.

“Thanks, senor chief.’ ' '

“ I ran in here to see what I could t in the
way of a large vessel, for thou h I ave two,
they are not urge enough, and here are faster
vessels afloat, and you know, Campus, I must
have the fleetest craft that soils the seas.”

“It is very nemesary senor chief.”

“When do you sail, Senor Campasi”

“To-morrow, as the schooner awaits an
American cruiser expected in.”

“ Good! I’ll sail to-night and reach Vera. Cruz
ahead of you.”

“ You must have a fast vessel to do that,

r.” .

“She is fast? now I have business to call me
elsewhere, and, after dark I shall run out;
Vique!”
ble arose and faced Don Diablo.

“I wish a. dozen ood men.”

“ You can have em, senor.”

“ Send them out in a fishing ahallop to meet
me as I run out. '

“lam in 5. lug , with lofty stern and high
bulwarks, and sail: patched so they will know
her if I sail before dark; i after night, I will
show the Wreckers’ light."

“Si, seller; you have lost heavily in men of
late " said the man addressed as Vique.

" me and in vessels, too.”

“The Senior Conrado Mariel reached you in
mfetg, I hope for I gave him your message?”

“ es, an in time to save me from a bad
scrape; but, r fellow, he was knocked over-
board by a 3 at from a Spanish schooner that
chased us.”

“ And killed?" cried every voice.

“Yes, he went to the bottom, r fellow.”

Thamen exohangsd lances w th each other,
and ique said, earnest y:

“Don Diablo, you did not know for the so
cret was well kept by the few who old it, that
Conrado Maria] was Estevan El Saltodori"

“ Yes he made known the fact to me,” was
the rea y repl .

“Ah sailors, his is o. and loss to us: and on,
Senor Campus Caliente are next in rank to im
in the Cuban League, ’ and Viquo turned to-
ward the young seam, who answered qui-

 

“ She can fl like the hurricane, senor chief,

 

“Come, Major Alvarado, go with me, and

and stand up n a gale like a. ship of the line."

v

'etl :
‘YSenors and camaradas, when Cuba needs my

..-u.-ga_..m...‘.-_n_.._.;.u.. .44- Mam-AI 0....

“ Senor chief,” and one of. the men at the ta-

 

..nwmnu.‘ _-.. -

..va.:....A..... .‘rr‘A r744... mam, «M...¢wmw..x. Bulb—4h“;

4-. ‘u N.-. “M.

 


l

“i

 

2;!

The Scarlet Schooner.

 

 

services or my life, she can have them; but now
isnot the time for an outbreak, and until the
proper time, [am but a lieutenant under the
chief here.

“Hut, gen know where I can be found, so
oomman me when necessar ."

With a wave of the ban Cam Caliente
turned away, and as ing to hon Diablo that he
would meet him in era Cruz he left the Tri-
bunal Hall of Plotters, whose oppression by
Spain had forced them to league with pirates.

“Come, senor, we will now go and perform
the dutyodevolving upon us,” and Don Diablo
turned his young companion, who had been
an attentive but silent observer of all that had

, and saluting the members of the Junta,
' hey took their departure from the pulperz'a.

CHAPTER XXVI.
snanownn.

Wm Don Diablo left the Spanish wine-shop,
that held within its walls secrets that the Span-
ish Government would have given vast wealth
to discover, at the suggestion of the young com-
panion at his side, he changed his upright car-
riage and bold, stag to a slight stoop in the
shoulders and a sh ing gait.

Hardly had they gone half a dozen blocks,
when they passed a volante, in which sat a per-
son who started as his eyes fell upon the youth.

For a moment the occupant of the volante
seemed about to spring out andrush upon them;
but, observing that they had not noticed him,
be checked his purpose, and ordered the driver
to drop back and keep them in sight.

As though fully acquainted with the city,
Don Diablo led the way to an unfrequented part
of the town, and directed his steps toward what
had once been a fine church, ut which had
crumbled into sad decay, with all its surround-

 

gtill it was evident that service was yet held
there for the benefit of those who dwelt near,
as the doors were open. and within a dim light
was visible burning upon the altar.

Around the church was a high wall, and over
it, in the rear of the edifice, was visible an old
structure as dilapidated as was the chapel, and
which was the abode of the adre.

Passing into the church, n Diablo and his
com ion ascended the aisle until he came to
a si e door that was locked.

A loud knock upon the door brought from a
room off the chancel a priest with gray hair and
solemn face.

“Padre Huesca, I seek thy service,” said Don
Diablo, quietly.

“ And who is it that seeks my services, son?"
asked the priest, in deep tones.

“ Thy unworthy son, Quesala.”

The started, glanced over the church to
note that there was no one present, and disa -
peared again within the inner room of t e

sanctuary.

A moment Don Diablo and the youth awaited
in silence, the latter having dropped down upon
his knees to murmur prayers, and then the
heavy door at which thgy stood slowly opened
and the padre confronts them.

“ Enter,” he said, in a low tone.

They passed through the portal out into a
small court or plaza, and croming it entered the
old stone building that stood within a few paces
of the church.

But hardly had they gone through the door
when the one who had been in the valance en-
tered the church, and saw the portal closing.

Quickly he walked to the spot and, seemingly
to his oy, saw that the padre had slowly drawn
got? ut not yet turned the heavy key in the

He listened attentively for an instant, and
,heaiineg no sound slowly opened the door and
gian out into t a court.

NO one was visible, and he boldly stegped out,
shut the door behind him, and glid softly
toward the stone mansion.

The door was 0 n and he entered a hallway
and stood in a li ning attitude.

hum of voices in conversation reached
him from within a back room and he crept to
the door, and knew that he had rightly tracked
those he followed. .

Attentively he listened, and what. he heard
seemed to affect him deeply, for he turned
deadly pale and trembled violently},

Thrice he seemed as though a at to enter
the room, but each time checked himself to as-
sume better control over his nerves.

At last, bya violent effort be calmed himself,
and drew from his breast a pistol.

Carefully he examined it, to see that the flint
was pro rly set and the pan filled with pow-
der, an then, with burning eyes, set lips and
determined mien, he sprung into the room, say-
ing in tin 'ng tones:

‘ Don iablo, thou accursed pirate, you are
my prisoner.”

CHAPTER XXVII.
’ a FORCED .WITNESS.

TEE startling words of the person who had
entered the priest’s domain, and then ursued
his traihn of Don Diablo directly into e Very

' mansion o the holy father, caused all to turn
quickly and gaze upon him.

 

 

One look, and the youth sunk down into a
chair pale and trembling, and the padre stepped
forward with an face.

As to the disgu d Don Diablo he seemed to
be wholly unmoved by the appearance of the
one who so boldly confronted him, and said,
calmly:

“ Senor
you herell’

“ I have the right, Don Diablo, of having
recognized that pretended boy in her dis ise as
my sister, and doing so, I then saw neath
your garb the form of the most fiendish devil

hat to-day lives to curse the earth, and I say
to you now, if you move one step, if on do not
submit on the instant, I will sen a bullet
through your brain.”

There was no doubt but that the speaker
meant just what he said, for it was none other
than Don Isadora Sabinas.

But for all that Don Diablo, the irate chief,
did not show the slightest sign of read at his
presence, or the danger he stood in before the
man he had such cause to fear.

As for the supposed youth, whom'the reader
now knows was Nita Sabinas, she. remained
where she had sunk into the chair almost dazed
by the unexpected coming of her brother.

The padre stood in silence, evidently angry at
the intrusion of a stranger into his home, but
calmly watchin events as the happened.

After a secon of painful 81 once to all Don
Isadoro, with his pistol still covering the heart
of the chief, said sternly, though his voice trem-
bled slightly.with suppressed emotion.

“ What say you, Don Diablo? Will you sub-
mit, or shall I fire?"

“ As you please, senor,” was the cool reply.

But as the words left his li , thefe came a
motion from the padre, and ou from behind a
screen near the door sprung a hideous form, and
Don Isadoro’s form was in his grasp before he
could touch the tri ger.

One glance at t e one who had thus seized
him, and Don Isadora was fairly alarmed,
brave as he was, at the huge head, hideous face
and deformed black being that held him in his
arms as though he were a child.

It was an African dwarf, with short, stum y
legs, a large body, long, muscular arms, an a
head that was large enough for a giant.

He was dressed in red woolen pants, a white
and blue stri d shirt, wore sandals on his feet
and a red c oth cap, trimmed with gold lace
and ornamented With a tassel, on his woolly
h

who are you, and what right have

eadu

Every feature was distorted by deformity ex-
cepting his eyes, which were as soft as a dove’s,
exce t when aroused, and full of tenderness.

“ old, Coocha, don’t hurt him!” cried Don
Diablo, springing forward, as Nita shrieked at
the sudden ap arance of the African and the
dan or to her rother.

“ e wantee kill chief,” growled, rather_than
said Coocha. I

“ True, but I will not have you hurt him; but
I thank you, Coocha for coming to my aid, as
I knew you would 0, having caught sight of
your handsome form when I came in.

“ Have you got well?”

“ chief; Coocha got all well, for good—
padmeme him so,” was the answer.

“I knew the padre would care you, Coocha‘
and that is why I left you With him to get ri
of our fever. .

‘ Now, Don Isadore, I must relieve you of
your claws, as you seem inclined to scratch,”
and Don Diablo very coolly took the lstol_ and
it}. kigife from the young Cuban, w o hissed

ort : .

“You are indeed allied to Satan, to escape
as you do sir irate.” '

‘ Yes, his tanic Highness of Hades keeps
me under his sheltering wing, my dear Don lsa-
doro. ,

“ ButI am glad that you arehere, as you may
be a witness in a certain important ceremony
which your sweet sister and myself came here
to have this worthiv $4118 firform.”

“A priest allie a p to,” said Don Isa-
doro with scorn.

“He knows me onldy as one who gives liber-
ally to the church, an who asked him to care
for my slave during his illness.

“Inow seek him that he may perform the
rites of mania e between the Donna Nita Sa-
binas and myse f."

“Neverl he will never do an act so full of
sacrilefe,” cried the infuriated Cuban, and he
seeme to meditate hurling himself, unarmed as
he was, upon the pirate; but the huge hand of
the deformed African dropped heavily upon his
shoulder and restrained him.

“My son, this worthy person you accuse of
bein one whom the sea and land tremble be-
neat ; but he looks not so vile, and surely he
might charge you also with crimes yet he does
not,” mildly said the padre, addressing Don
Isadore, who answered haughtily:

“He dare not accuse me of wrong doing,
willilg he knows that he is the vilest of the
71 e.

" It cannot be, as this maiden, as I know her
:0 be, is willing to be united to him in marriage.”

 

“That maiden, priest, is my sister, the
Senorita Nita tabinas, and this man has, with

his fascinations, so charmcd her as to cause her
t ) forget honor, home and friends.” .

“ Don Isadore you lie.

“ Your sister is today as true to her honor as
ever she was.

“ Her home and friends she has given up to

flan r one whom she loves, and who loves
,r_
” Love a pirate I” sneered the oung man.

“She says she loves me, an
here to marry me.

“Nita, here is {our brother; choose between
us,” and Don Dia lo turned to the maiden, who
quickly sprung to the side of the corsair, so deep
was her infatuation. .

“It is all I ask, senor; I will unite you in
marriage," said the padre, and he drew Nita
aside and held a few moments’ earnest conver-
sation with her.

“ And Don Isadoro Sabinas, you shall be wit-
ness,” said Don Diablo.

“Never will I look on and see my sister so
dis ce herself ; I will—"

‘ say you will; Coocha, see that Don Isa-
doro remains.”

The African threw his arms around the Cu~
ban and he felt that he was in a vise of iron.

“ ow, , we are ready," resumed the
pirate, then followed a strange scene, the
marriage of a noble maiden, clad in man’s at-
tire, to an ocean scourge, with her brother look
ing on as a witness.

‘ Perhaps, for your name‘s sake on bad bet-
ter write our name aswitness on Isadore,
to the certificate,” said Don Diablo.

“By the cross I will do it; though accursed
by her love for a pirate, she will at least be a
wife,” and Don Isadora signed his name as the
P“??? “so”... I . .w 1..

‘ ow, n oro expec o' p
tram $313.33.: Don Diablo, calmly. g“

e s

“  t at you bring no harm u this
worthy padre for his act to—dsy in making your
sister in wife-”

“ Wel , senor?"

“Second, that yon pledge yourself to remain
here for one hour after our departure.”

“ If I refuse?”

“ You shall die."

l ( Die?”

“ So I said and so I mean."

Don Isadoro remained silent, and to aid in
making up his mind Don Diablo said:

I‘ll will simply leave you in Coocha’s hands
an ——

“I seek no such honor; I will make the
pledges; but Don Diablo, I also pledge myself
never to relinquish my Eeursuit of you. ’

“So be it; come, my autiful bride, and you
too, Coocha; farewell, padre.”

He turned away; but with a cry Nita sprling
toward her brother and cried:

“ lsadoro, good-b ; kiss me, brotherJ’

He waved her rom him, and Don Diablo
drew the weeping maiden away, and followed
by the deformed slave left the padre’s house.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
a DISCOVERY.

UPON the deck of the beautiful American
schooner, anchored in the harbor of Havana,
and in such close vicinage to the clumsy-looking
lugger, stood two oficers enga d in eonverw
tion. and at the same time en 0 ing their fra-
grant cigars as they paced to an fro.

One 0 these young officers was Guy Stan-
hope, the midshlpman already known to the
reader, and havmg found in the schoonele
commander Bo er Warburton an old friend,
had been telling im of the ca ture of the craft
by the pirate Don Diablo, er wreck in the
hurricane, the esca of her chief, and how he
had palmed himsel off to the inmates of the
Villa del Florida as her captain, Austin Au-
brey, but being recognized by a Cuban planter.
or at least su. cted, Don Isadore Sabinas had
gone in his go ta to hunt up evidence aggnst

im, and he had gone as a witness Who cw
the noted rover.

“ Then Aubrey owes the pirate another debt,
for it is said his sister was captured some years
ago, and is either a prisoner on some island
now or dead,” said Lieutenant Warburton.

“lies, she was captured by pirates, I know:
but the captain never spoke of her, and no one
cared to speak of the subject to him: but he
was always most anxious to hunt all rovers,
andis new building a vessel at his own ex-

ense, which the Government will commission

or him to cruise where he pleases, in ursuit
of buccaneers, and I am to be his junior ufl'.”

“I congratulate you, Stanhope; but there

oes that old ark to sea, ’ and Lieutenant War-

urton pointed to the disguised lugger, which
just then swun round to the breeze and ran
close in under t e stern of the schooner.

“ And on expect to st off tonight also, do
you not, 'eutenanti” as ed Guy Stanhope, af-
ter the two had watched the lugger glide away
in the darkness. .

“ Yes, as soon as my messenger returns from
the consul, for I care not to wait longer, as the
Mexicans are anxious to get their schooner."

“ And then you return to the United States
at once?”

she has come

I~

 

‘1

“Yes, my ofilcers and m If will take the
New Orleans packet from era Cruz, and there
we are to report to the Admiral of the Gulf
squadron; how long have you leave for, Stan-
ho .4”

geSome two months (yet, or until the captain‘s
new vessel is complete .”

“Better run over as my guest, and return
with us to New Orleans.”

“I will, thank you, lieutenant if you will
make use of me, for I am tired of avana.”

“I’ll give you half of a. watch to keep you
out of mischief,” laughed Roger Warburton.

And thus conversin the two young ofiicers
paced the deck unti midnight, when a boat
came off with the messenger that had been sent
to the consul.

Ten minutes after the beautiful schooner was
flying away seaward, and by daybreak had
dropped the frowning fortress of El Moro out
of sight astern.

Shortly after breakfast, as Guy Stanho
was reading in the luxurious cabin of t e
schooner, Roger Warburton called to him to
come on deck.

“S'anhope, if I did not have orders to do no
fighting and run direct to Vera Cruz, I would
overhaul yonder craft, few men as I have on
board, for he has been in mischief,” and Lieu-
tentant Warburton pointed to a graceful galeta
a league away, and apparently having just left
a la ger that was lying k).

“ t is the goleta of on Isadoro Sabinas, as I
live!” cried the midshipman, with some excite-
mpnt, as his eyes fell upon the beautiful ves-
se

” What! do you mean the one the pirate Don
Diablo so cleverl got possession of, and then
eluded the Spanish schooner in 1"

“Yes, the same, I would know the craft
amon athousand.’

“ ell, we will give him chase, and if he
prgvcs too strong for us, why, we can run for

“ And, lieutenant, do you observs that that is
the same lugger we saw in Havana?”

“ You are right, Stanhope, as I live; well, we
will run down and board him and find out who
this goleta's commander is, for the Don may be
on her, as ou do not know which he remained
on, when t ey parted company, you said.”
“No, and think it was the goleta,’ but the
skipper of yonder lugger can tell us, and if the
Don is on the Sabinas craft, it would be a
feather in your cup to take him, as with your
guns you could bring him to terms.”

“ The goleta is not armed then?"

“ Only with a couple of sixes to a sidé, and a
twelve-pounder pivot in the forecastle, .more
for salutes, and rotection from the lagoon pi-
rates, than an t ing else.”

“Then ho or the logger, first, and then for
the golrta." '

“ The goleta is very fast; as fleet as the wind,
I may say, sir,” said the midshipman.

“And this schooner keeps ahead of the wind,”
responded Lieutenant Warbui'ton, with a smile,
an then, turning to his first officer, he gave the
necessary orders for crowding sail on the
schooner.

The boatswain, Campus Calieiite, piped all
hands on deck, and five minutes after the bean-
tiful vessel was fiyin down upon the lubberly
sailing lu ger, whic had gotten under way
sin , an was shaping her course due west,
w e the goleta headed northward:

CHAPTER XXIX.
A wom in THE WAY.

WHEN the lugger sailed from the harbor of
Havana, so thoroughly disguised by her false
bulwarks, raised stern, old sails, and her 3
hidden. from sight in the hold, she hel on
her way to the south-westward, before a fair
breeze, keeping the coast of Cubaaleague off
on her port quarter. .

She had run steadily in spite of her disguise
making a good seven knots out of asix kno
breeze, when, just at dawn, as the island of
Cuba was growing dim in the distance,.asail
was discovered coming from the direction of
Yucatan. \

A second glance at the stranger and Don Di-
ablo, who still maintained his disguise, except-
ing the false beard, reco nizecl the golcta which
he had ordered to the Ba ama Wrecking Island.

“Can she have been blown off her course, or
chased over toward Yucatan, or is that Sathan-
ess, Alma, watching me?" he muttered, as the
goleta drew nearer.

The rest of those on board, and who had in-
creased in number largely, since coming out of
Havana, also recognized the golcta. and could
not understand why Don Diablo seemed anxious
to avoid the craft.

But, certain it was, that he ordered more sail
set, and seemed evidently determined not to al-
low the guletu to get closer if he could avmd it.

Seeing the intention of the luggcr, the golatu
at once gave chase, and at once the flight began,
Don Diablo trying, as much as was in his
power, to hold on his course for Vera Cruz.

“ I hope Nita will not come on deck, for she
will know the golcta at a glance,” he muttered.

But, almost with the words, Alena, the oc-

 

 

'I:he Scarlet Schooner.

r”

.17:

 

large 'hirkish rug and easy-chair for her mil-

‘8.

" Say to your mistress that isa little damp
for her on deck, I fear," said Don Diablo.

But N ita had a sweet will of her own, and the
lugger was bowling along so delightful] that
she decided to leave the cabin, an , fort e life
of her could not discover the dampness her hus-
band spoke of.

“ I fear you are too careful of me, Nevil,” she
said, in a kindly tone.

Failing in his efl'ort to keep her below, Don
Diablo tried to occupy her attention so as to
keep her from discoverin the goblet.

But Nita was one who oved the sea, and, in-
haling the fresh air, she turned her gaze upon
ghelfour points of the compass, and cried, sud-

en :
“ Why there is a sail.”
U Yes. )3
:: And’is a West Indian, from her rig. "
“ Oh, Nevill do you not recognize her?"
(1 Yes.” ‘
“It is El Saltador, my brother’s yacht. "
“ Yes it is the one I took from him."

“ She has your men on board, and—"

“ Nita, when in Havana I learned that a band
of lagoon pirates had captured a goleta answer-
 the description of El Saltador, and also
ta en her oi! Piual del Rio, which was the locali—
ty our vessel was in about that time:

“ As the Lagoon Buccaneers do not belong to
the Rovers’ League, I fear to be overhauled, so
fly from the golcta."

It seemed like a ver plausible excuse, and
Nita said no more, unti it became evident that
the goleta was gainin on the lugger.

Discoverin this on Diablo changed his
course of sai ing, throwiag the breeze astern;
but the goleta still gain , and more rapidly
than before.

“ Nevil, why do on not signal?”

“ True, I never t ought of that,”sa.id the cun-
ning chief, and he ordered the flag of the
Wreggers, the black field and golden eye, dis-
P 53’ .

instantly the same flag went up on the goleta
and Don Diablo gave the order to luff up and
lay to, but there was a smothered‘ curse on his
lips, and the words:

“Now I must keep Alma on the goleta. or
there will be trouble. ’

“ Sail ho!”

The chief started, turned his glass upon the
distant sail, and aid:

“ She is an American schooner from her rig,
and is coming directly toward us.

“I must hasten to part with the oleta, and
and now I think of it, I will send A ms. to the
coast retreat below Vera Cruz, for there I visit
less often than the Bahamas, and she and Nita
must not meet. ”

“ No. the must not meet, even if an accident
has to befa l Alma. ”

_

CHAPTER XXX.
on THE sonar.

As the oleta came on it could be seen that
she had so discovered the strange sail, and
was crowdin all sail to reach the lugger as
soon as possi e. ‘

Ordering his boat alongside, Don Diablo was

about to descend into it, when Nita came for
ward; still attired in her masculine garb,- and
asks : ~
“ Can I not go with you?”
“No, Nita, for I must hasten; give way,
men!” and the boat left the side of the lugfer
ra idly in the direction of the approac ng
go eta, and meeting her, caused her to lufl up
and lay to.

“Well, senor chief, you are as thorou hly

disguised asis your lugger,” and Alma met on
Diablo at the gangway.
“Yes, I am just out of Havana; but come
into the cabin, Alma, for I would speak With
on,” and the chief quickly led. the way below,
or he was confident the eyes of Nita were
watchin the goleta through a glass.

“Wei , may I ask why you saw fit to run
from your own vessel, Captain Quesalai” asked
Alma, and it was evident that her suspicious
nature was aroused. \
“Yes, because rumor had it that the goleta
had been captured 01! Final del Rio by lagoon

irates, and my guns being in the hold and
u g0}; disguised, did not care to have to
fl it.

g“Ah! that accounts for it; now may I ask
who the young man is I saw with my glass on
your deck?” _ I . .

“A youth I am training up to piracy. "

“Ah! poor boy.”

“And, Alma. why is it that I find you here,
when by this time the golcta should have been
off the Florida coast on her way to the Ba.-
hamas.”

“I was chased over into the Bay of Cam-
peche by an English cruiser, and could not dou-
ble on him to get back.”

 

toroon, came from the cabin, and brought a

“It is just as well, for I prefer that you go

I . .

to the Mexican coast rendezvous and assume
control there.”

“You mean the Wizard Caves?" -

“Yes.”
bl“?’l’Vhy do you wish me to go there, Don Dia-

0

“Well, I have neglected the men there of
late, and wish to get them more thoroughly un-
der authority, as will need them.

“I am now on my way to Vera Cruz, for I
am going there to take a new schooner the
Mencans have had built in the United States,
3nd then I will drpp in on you for a day or

wo.’ ‘

“As you please, Don Diablo: but of late I
have grown sadly suspicious of all you do, and
[warn you not to be treacherous, for, though
you believe no man can kill you, a woman can.”

“Nonsense, Alma, you are—"

“Senor chief, the stranger is coming down
upon us like the wind, and is an armed
schooner,” called out Victorio Nunez down the
companionway.

“ y, ay, sefior,” answered the chief, and
then he said to the woman:

“ Alma, rigged as she is the lug or cannot fly
as fast as the goleta, so lead this s ange sail af—
tef‘ im'” 1 d 1 d

your ngger an crew re proper is—
fiiysyed as a coflee drogher why'aneed you y at

“True; then you fly, and if he boards me I
will detain him as long as possible, and say you
brou ht me to and ro bed me.”

“ y what you please.

“Now adios, Senor Diablo and remember
in warning not to (play me false, as something
to is me you are oing, or you will find the
American girl whose ife you have wneoked
more revengeful than a Spaniard. ”

Don Diablo laughed lightly, kissed Alma on
the brow and ascended to the deck, followed by
the jealous woman.

Seeing that the strange sail had approached
uncomfortably near he turned his glass upon
her and cried:

“Nombrc de Dios ! it is my schooner!”

“ Your schooner?" .

“Yes, Alma, the very craft I am going to
Vera Cruz to get possession of, and I can tell
you the golela will have to fly to escape her.

“ Adios I” ‘

As the chief turned awgkhe made a motion
to Victorio Nunez, who w ed to tho gangway
with him.

“ Senor, my lieutenant, Campus Calienfe‘.
sa 3 that yonder schooner is the fastest craft
0. eat, so see to it that she does not overhaul
you. -

:55 she boards me I will say you are a pi-
ra .

Then dro pin his voice he added: , ~

“I have old aptain Alma, as the band are
pleased to call her, to run for the Wizard Cave
retreat, and, sei'ior, see to it that she gets lost
there.”

“Senor?”

“ I mean it.”

“You mean, senor chief, tha "

“ That she must die.”

1‘  I"

“ You understand me?"

“Yes, sefior chief."

u Obey may

“Si, senor.”

“Adios ” and. Don Diablo sprung into the
stem—sheets of his boat and rowed back toward
the lu ger, kee ing the golwta in line so as to
hide h m from he approaching schooner. '

As he touched his vessel the golefa fell 03 and
sailed away under full sail, for the schooner
was now not much over a lea e distant.

That it was the intention ofuLieutenant War-
burton to board the disguised lugger first, and
then give chase to the yoleta the reader has al-
ready seen,_and, as Don Diahlo made no eflort
to escape, simply gettin under way once more,
she was soon come u w th.

“ Go on board 0 her, Stanhope. and see
what you make of her,” said Lieuwnaanar-
{Eli-ton, and raising his voice he hailed in Span-

“ Hol the lugger!"

.“Ay, ay, senor,” answered Don Diablo, in his
dee tones.

“ will send a boat on board, so come to.”

“Ay, ay, sei'ior, was the reply, and as the
chief iroucht the lug or up into the wind, he
turned to Nita and said

“Do you see the young ofiicer getting into
the boat?"

“Yes, Nevil.”

“And recognize himl"

“ Yes, he is the same that came with my bro—
ther to the villa. to denounce you.”

“ Yes, and followed us in the Spanish
schooner.” -

“ I must beware. for he might recognize me.
as Isndoro did, in spite of my disguise.”

“True, so go into the stateroom, and see
that nothing of a suspicious nature. is lying
about the cabin to catch his eyes.”

Nita disappeared and Don Diablo met his
visitor at the gsngway, and greeted the young

 

midshipman in his cool, quiet way in great
danger.

{Li—w as... _

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18

 m:-.»m_ iv" ,  I

1”. .,..l . ,..,_,, .,_.‘._

The Scarlet Schooner.

.L. L ’

 

“ Senor captain, you are a trader, I believe?"
said the middy.

“ Yes sefior Americana, 9. coast drogher.”

“ And you are out of what port last'l”

d “I Ifavana, senor, and bound back to Trini-
a .

“ And yonder fast flyeri”

“ Is a pirate, senor.”

’ “ Hal as I thought, and Don Diablo is on
board!”

Don Diablo in his disguise suddenly had a
brilliant thought, as he imagined, to get rid of
Alma, the woman whose siu was in loving him,
and he said, quietly: V‘

‘~‘ Yes, senor, the chief, Don Diablo, is on
board, and you have a. chance to overhaul and
sink him, for your vessel is fast.”

“I will take him alive.”

“Impossible, senor, for you seem to have a
small crew, and he has a large one; but you can
send him to the bottom with your heavy guns,
for he will never surrender.”

“ Yes’, we cando that, and thus rid the sea of
ii. monster in human form.

“Did he rob your vessel ?”

“ Of the money I had for my employer, sefior:
a few thousand pesos.”

“It is too bad; well, I will leave you, and if
Don Diablo’s life don’t go down ere yonder sun
reaches the western horizon, I am very much
mistaken.

“ I thank you captain, and adios.”

The midshipman sprung back into his boat,
which at once pulled for the schooner, while the
daring chief stood watching him, ‘a grim,
strange smile upon his face. '

Once on board the schooner, and the beauti-
ful vessel filled away in pursuit of the goleta,
new nearly two leagues away.

CHAPTER XXXI.
THE BUCCANEER's RUSE.

“You are right, Stanhope: the oleta does
sail like the wim ,” said Lieutenant arburton,
as the schooner \Vizard got well under way in
pursuit of the fast yacht.

“ Yes, sir, she’s a witch for sailing, as I saw
When I was on the Spanish schooner; and Don
Diablo had a trim-lookin lugger too that was
a skimmer of the waves; at we are gaining on
El Saltador.”

“Yes, this vessel is simply wonderful, and
before night we will overhaul the goleta, and
open on her, though it is a pity to mar such a
prett craft with our guns.”

“ e’ll have to do it, sir, for, from .what I
know of Don Diablo, I am confident he will not
strike his black flag, and if we don’t catch her
before night he’ll dodge us in the darkness.”

“ That is what I am afraid or, as we have but
a few hours to sunset, and I have been served
that trick before; but in spite of his speed we
are ing one third faster.’

“ e’ll get near enough to kee
him at any rate, lieutenant,” sai

 

an eye on
Guy Stan

be e.

‘1‘, I sincerely hope so; but, as I said, these
West Indiasn‘pirates are up to as many tricks as
a girl at a -

to gevt‘partners.

"Some of them ' 1 lower their whole top-
ham 1', s are, yards and all before a chaplain
ccnl say is prayers, and they lie so low in the
water we might dash almost over them with-
ou'z. seeing them, and every man on the look-
on

- ‘f Again, some of them will furl every stitch
of canvas, and present nothing but two slender
sticks to discover her by.

“I was cruising last year in the Vidette, on
the coast of Cuba, when a sail was discovered

in the oiling.

' “She was a little foreoand-aftcr, as trim as a
swallow and skimming along over the waves
at a rapid pace.

“ I at after with all sail I could carry, when
the c anged her course and scampered awa
wing-and wing dead before the wind; but fin -
ing was gaining on him’ be hauled his wind
and went 0! with a free sheet and the wind on

his port beam.

“ stuck to his wake, however, and just after
nightfall was within a half-league of him, and
sent my compliments in the shape of a hall after

in.

“He did not notice it, however, so I set
Ituddin'-sails forward and fore-and-aft main-
gfifl-topsails, having them sent up and bent for
{are purpose, and then I began to walk up on

1m.
1 “ It was a starlight night, but quite dark and
I had all the crew on the lookout that the little
rascal should not give us the dod e.

“Well, do you now that I go so near I was
thinking about ordering a boat lowered for

ing, when a score of voices sung out: ‘

“ ‘ The chase has disappeared l’

“I immediately brou ht the vessel to the
wind and all 6 es swap the sea, but nowhere
was be visible; en I put the weed away a sin
and cruised round in a circle: but now are
could the little craft be discovered: but when
day dawned I saw him quietly in ing to a
lea :sgi taut, and in the very locali where I

I lm. I

" Again I ve chase, and he held his lead

until night, w on once more he served us the

 

same trick, and from that day to this I have
not seen him, and the men swore we had been
chasing a phantom craft, but I knew better.
We are gaining well on him Stanho e.” '

“We are indeed, sir, and yet, ju 'ng from
the distance run it will be good dark fore we
reduce the distance to half a mile. ”

“I believe you are right, for he seems on his
best sailing points, and we are on our worst,
with the wind abeam.”

Narrowly now ofl'lcers and men on the
schooner watched the chase, and though the
American craft steadin gained it was evident
that darkness might yet favor the cunning Don
Diublo, for not one now doubted but that the
chief was on the goleta.

Nearer and nearer the schooner drew, as the
hours passed, until at last the sun went down
in the sea. with the two vessels nearly- a mile
apart.

But the breeze freshening a. little the schooner
gained more rapidly, and at last came the wel-
come order:

“ Clear that pivot gun for action 1"

“Now let her have a shot to see if she will
show her colors while we yet have light to see
them,” called out Lieutenant Warburton.

Instantly the large pivot gun belched forth
fire, smoke and iron, and almost with the dis-
Cll;ll;ge up went the black flag to the peak of the

o e a.
“Well, he’s honest enough not to deny his
calling at any rate; now, gunner, see if on can
pitch the iron into his stern ports,” on led out
the young officer, for the first shot had been
thrown over the goleta.

Again the gun spoke, and the shot striking
near sent the spray upon the goleta’s decks.

“Wait until we creep nearer, unner,” or-
dered the lieutenant, and all watclged the rap-
idly-settling gloom, the shadowy outline, of the
goteta and the splendid sailing of the schooner.

“Now, gunner, let her feel our iron!" or-
dered Roger Warburton when ha f an hour more
had assed.

“ £114: has disappeared, sir I”

The cry fell like a broadside upon the crew,
for every eye had been upon the goleta but a
moment before. ,

“ Helmsman, you have let her come up a few
points,” cried the lieutenant.

“ No, sir, she has not swerved; she steers like
an arrow " answered the man at the wheel.

Roger iWarburton sprung to the binnacle-
light, saw the course of the schooner was the
same, glanced at the sails, and then said, em-
phatica ly:

“ By Heavenl he has played me that same
devilish trick I told you of, Stanhope; forward
there!” ‘

“ Ay, ay, sir,” rung out the crew, in chorus.

“Keep a sharp ookout, lads, and three
months’ pay to the man who finds her 1"

Every eye was at once strained to catch sight
of the goleta, and the helmsman said:

“ She here two ints to leeward, sir, when I
last saw her, for sat here by the com ass.”

“Then let her fall off that much an ran her
straight for it!” was the order.

And yet still the oleta could not be found.

“gave you a has light on board, lieuten-

ant

‘f Y Stanho , and thanks for the sug-
gestion ’cried arburton, joyfully and amo-
ment alter the light was burned and every eye
was watching the sea.

“B Heaven, she has certainl gone downl”
cried ieutenant Warburton, wi h chagrin.

“ No, look there i”

It was Guy Stanhope that spoke, and he had
graspedbe Warburton’s arm and was pointing
as rn.

There, not half a. dozen cables’-lengths away,
a dark object was seen floating u on the sea.

“Ready about, helmsmanl all ds to tack

shi l

‘PLively, lads, lively l"

The ringing voice of the lieutenant sent the
men sprin 'ngto their posts, for they discerned
the truth t t the quick eye of the midshipman
had discovered the goleta.

The boatswain’s whistle piped shrilly the
schooner‘s head swept up to the win as
thou h the hull worked on a pivot, and then,
ami the fl ‘ng of sheets and braces, the swing-
ing of yar and swooping over of booms, her
sharp bows were set the other way and like a
racer she was dashing OR in the direction in
which Guy Stanhope‘had discovered the goleta.

“ She had taken in every stitch of canvas, sir,
and lay under bare poles: we must have gone
within a couple of cables’-lengths of her,” said
Guy Stanhope.

‘ A sail dead ahead, sir i” sung out a look- out
forward.

The next instant there dashed into sight the
goleta under clouds of canvas, and from her
decks rung out the cheery cry in a clear voice:

“ Buenaa nachos, cedars I”

And almost in a minute’s time she was far
astern.

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
. BUN DOWN.
“ Runny about!” '
The sharp command rung out from Roger

/

 

Warburton’s lips as soon as he could realize that
the goleta had made sail, after her discovery,
as if by magic, and had passed the schooner
without a single shot.

As quickly as the schooner could be brought
about it was done, the drum beat to quarters,
and away she dashed in full chase.

Ahead, nearly the third of a mile, like a
cloud on the waters, the golcta was visible, fly—
ing alon 1' under all the canvas she could carry,
and homing far over under the pressure of the
ten-knot breeze.

On board the schooner all was intense excite-
ment, and the men ea erly and impatiently
waited for the commam they knew must soon
come to open fire.

“We are aiming, sir, for I can see her yards
now,” said uy Stanhope.

“Then I will open on him before he disap-
pears again, and the men get to really believing
it is a phantom ship, commanded by Satan in
the form of Don Diablo.

“ Forward there I”

“Ay, ay, sir!” .

“Train that long gun on yonder cunning
scnmp, and cripple himl”

“Ay, ay, sirl” called out the gunner, only
too anxious to obey.

The gun was loaded, carefully sighted, the
fuse lighted and‘ap lied to the riming, and
away went the shr eking ball 0 iron, aimed
with remarkable accuracy, and back to the
ears of those on the schooner came the crashing
of timbers and the groans of men hard hit.

“ Bravo, gunner! you have hit him hardl
now give him anotherl”

And another shot was poured upon the goleta
with the same fatal effect.

“ Now luff! At the guns there!

“ Let her have your broadsidel”

The schooner‘s broadside went hurtling upon
the little craft, and then, for the first time, the
goleta returned the fire from her small guns.

“Ahl that adds interest; I wondered if the
famous Don Devil was going to let us hit him
and not strike back; but Goddess of the Sea
5 are this, the most beautiful craft that skims
the waves,” cried Lieutenant VVarburton.

“ And I say amen to that prayer,” sung out
Guy Stanhope.

“ And it is answered, for see, they have
missed us wholly.

“ But don’t you spare them, lads! another
broadside; flrel”

Again was heard the terrific crashing of tim-
bers following the schooner’s heavy broadside,
and the. firing on the golefa, suddenly ceased.

“She has got itl now I’ll bail and ask if he
has struck his sable flag, for I don’t wish to kill
the Don—oh uol I wish to hang him.

“Ahoy the goleta l”c.nd Warburton’s voice
went ringin over the water.

“ Ay, ay, efior Americana l” came back in a
clear womanly voice.

“IIave you struck?”

“No, seflor l”

“The devil! he does mean we shall kill him;
well, we’ll give him a. little more iron.

“ At the guns, there!”

.“Ay, ay, sirl’

“Play your iron trumpets once more; he still
wants to dance to our music I”

In response to the command of the lively
youn oficer, the guns of the schooner again
sent orth their iron hurricane upon the little
goleta, until one of the masts was seen to go
over the side, carrying with it her huge lateen
sail into the sea.

A cheer burst from the schooner-’5 crew; all
except from the lips of one man.

That one was Campus Caliente, the boatswain;
his heart seemed not in the wreck and death
they were pourigg upon the beautiful goleta.

“ She is crip l and cannot escape.

“I hope he 1 strike now,” and raising his
voice Lieutenant Warburton hailed once more,
as the schooner went bounding along under the
stern of the goleta.‘ ,

“ Ho, sir pirate l”

“A , ay, Senor Americano,” came the an
after n the same cfleminate, yet rich voice as

ore.
“ Have you struck?”
H No I”

The answer was more emphatic and decided
than before.

“ I will sink you.”

“ As you please, senor.”

“Give him another broadside!” yelled Lieu-
tenant Warburton, an’gtrgly.

And again the guns lched forth, and once
more the schooner went tearing by on another

ck.
“ Do you strike now, sir pirate?"
It No 1’

CHAPTER XXXIII.
A armors rams.

Tan stubborn refusal of the goleta to strike
her fla , although a wreck upon the waters,
and wi h the groans of her dying crew reaching
the ears of those on the schooner, unlcd Roger
Warburton and his men not a 11 e.

With but a score of men on his own vessel to
work it, and also man the guns, he dared not

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The Scarlet Schooner.

19

 

 

board the goleta, as he knew not what force the
pirate carried. . .

But determined, either to make him strike or
sink him, he wore ship once more and. again
sent a broadside upon the doomed craft.

“ Do you strike now?” he called out again in
hoarse, angry tones.

“ No, senor, sink me,” was the fearless re-
sponso.

“By the gods of war, but I wi ,” cried War—
burton, furiously.

“ Hold! Lieutenant Warhurton, that is 3. WO—
man’s voice as I live,” called out Guy Stan-

ope.

“ By Neptune! you are right, I Verin believe,
Stnnhope. ’

“You remember that I told you of the chief
running oil’ with the Senorita Sabinas, who
loved him, believing him to he an honorable
man, in fact Captain Austin Aubrey, and was
so infatuated thut—”

“ She would not give him up‘ on discovering
who he was!

“Yes, I remember it, Stanhope, and do not
wonder at it, for she, being a. woman, is an
enigma; but what then?” ’

‘ I believe, sir, that Don Diablo has been
killed, and that the one who hailed is the Sc-
norita Sabinas, who is anxious to (lie too, rather
than go back to her home in disgrace.”

“Right you are, I’ll wa or six months’ pay,
Guy; but what are we to o?" v

“It isn. matter of very little importance to
you whether those fellows arc dead or alive, so

on know the fate of Don Diablo, and can save
but beautiful girl T’

“ I don’t care a copper for them, Stahhope."

“ Then offer all who surrender, excepting the
officers, 9. free pardon."

“ I’ll do it, by the hoary head of old Neptune:

“ Helmsman l” .

“ Ay, ay, sir.” _

“Run c 0:0 in under the golota’s stern when
we wear ship and go back on the other tack.”

“ Yes, sir. ’

The lieutenant then gave the order to “ bout
ship,” and the next moment the schooner was
pointting so as to pass within her length of the
go 9 a.

“ At the guns there I”
“Ay, ay, sir.”

“ Cease firing until further orders, now !” and
raismg his voice he called out: “ Well, have you
struck your flag?” ‘

“ No, senor.” '

“ All right: all on board that craft, excepting
officers, who will surrender, shall have a. free
pardon for their crimes of pirac .”

A faint cheer came from half 9. dozen voices
on the goleta, and then avoice was heard in
angry denunciation, followed by several pistol
shots in rapid succession, and the clash of steel
against steel. .

“ Great God! they are fighting among them-
selves: hark!” '

It was R0 er Warburton who spoke. and
springing to he schooner’s wheel he brought
her up into thewind, and she lay quiet upon
the waters. '

“Help! she is killing us! help, for the love of
the Virgin!” ! .

“Quick! let a boat be manned and I will
board,” cried Guy Stanhope, and he ran to the
starboard dnvits, and in a. minute’s time a cut-
ter was in the sea with a full crew in it.

“Be wary, Stanhope, and if you need me
hail!” cried Warburton, as the boot pulled
away with the tiller-ropes held in the firm gripe
of the daring midshipman.

The sea was rou h, yet not running}? h and
without much di cult the boatwas i along-
side of the low hull of t e goleta, and Guy Stan-
hope, outlass in hand, sprun on board, followed
by the half-dozen seamen w 0 had accompanied

him.

As their feet touched the deck amidships, a.
sickening scene met the gaze of the Americans,
for the foremost was gone, shot away even with
the bulwarks, the mainmast was tottering, and
the wreck of rigging and sails hung about it. -

The decks were seamed with shot-marks, and
strewn with the dead, while the bulwarks were
shattered and the small gun, which Don Isa.-
doro had been so proud of using in salutes, were
all dismounted except the one on the forecastle.

Not a human being was ‘risible upon his feet.
and yet one-half rose as the Americans came on

deck.

“ Well. my lad. you ‘seem all of life that is
left here,” said Guy Stanhope, kind! .

“ I am, your honor. all that can he on deck,”
said theman, in a rich English accent' “but,”
he added in a low tone, “ there’s life in the cabin
yet, I can swear.”

“Why did on not strike your flag and save
this bloodshe '4" _

“ Well, sir, it was an easier death to die than
by a rope, the lads thought."

“But pardon was offered you.”

“And the few of us left was“ longing for it,
sir: but that handsome devil on the forecostle
would not allow it, and when we called out to
accept your terms, sir, we were just shot down
to the last man, and thar were five of us stand-

then.
‘I got it here, sir, and I guess I’m done for.”

I

 

The midshipman bent over and looked at the

man’s wound.

It was a pistol-shot in the right side, and had
bled freely. ,

“ Well, my man, the surgeon of the schooner
may pull you through yet," he said, not un-
kindly.

“ To be hanged, sir?”

“No, you accepted the offer of Lieutenant
Warburton, and will be pardoned.

"Look After him, lads.”

“ The goleta is settling fast, sir,” said the
boatswain, Campus Caliente.

‘ ‘ Yes, sir she got it strong between wind and
water ” said the wounded pirate.

“ I ell, we will not tarry; now, who is in the
cabin, my man?”

“Only one, sir.”

“ Don Diablol”

“One who is his equal, sir.”

The midshipman waited to hear no more, but
telling the men to look over the golota, and if
lie nfccdcd them he would call, he walked quick-
y a t.

A battle lantern or two continued to burn,
showing clearl the sickly scene; but in the
cabin a, bright light was burning, and with his
cutluss ready Guy Stanhope entered.

The handsome cabin had not escaped un-
marred, for the 'cruel shot had torn their way
through it, scattering ornaments here and there,
shattering the furniture, and playing sad havoc
generally.

But in the companionwa Guy Stanhope
paused, for before him he cheld a slender
form, clad in half dress uniform, and leaning
upon the table, before which he sat, his been
buried in his arm.

A splintered mark across the table showed
where a shot had cut its way, and the mid-
shipman believed that the one he saw was dead.

But no, as he looked the head was raised, and
a profile of rare beauty was visible.

And rising, there was seen in the hand a
slerir cup, and slowly it was brought toward
t e ips. ’ .

Unconscious of the presence of a stran er
the lips moved, and the words distinctly reac ed
the ears of the mirlshipman:

“Well, the end is come, and I have esca ed
unhurt through this hell of iron hail, w ile
others have fallen around me.

“ But I will not be taken alive, and I too will
die by this fatal cup, and my Victors will con-
sider that I am a boy and 1 !1 be thrown into
the sea, and none ever know the fate of Alma
Aubrey. _

. “Ah me! mine has been a sad lot, but cir-

cumstances, not intention to sin, made me what‘

I am, and I will end this wretchedness and
none will mourn me, not even Reno Quesala.”
As she ceased speaking she raised the cup
slowly to her lips. '
CHAPTER XXXIV.
m LAST on THE GOLETA.

As the cupapproached her lips, although her
hand was firm as a rock, Alma. Aubrey could
not restrain a. shudder.

But while a stern look crept over her face
she brought it nearer, and the next instant the

ata raug wou ave em 3 en an e
f 1 d ht id 1: b t k d th
matched woman have ended her own life, had
the midshipman not bounded forward and
dashed the blot to the floor.

shriek mi: from the pallid ii 3 of Alma
ray, and turning upon the in ruder, she
attempted to draw a. pistol from her belt.

But there was a gripe upon her slender wrist
sltae cpuld not resist, while Guy Stanhope said,
5 em y: '

“Hold! do not stru gle, for it will be useless;
as I have help at ban , and no one need know
who on are if you remain quiet.”

“ 0 you ow whoI am?” she asked, tum-
ing more pale than she had in the presence of
the‘ death, she sought.

“Eon, think I am the son of Don Diablol”

0.

“Who then?”

“You are a. woman.”

“Ha! how know you this?”

“The beauty of your face and form would
betra on to me if not to others.”

“ 0 od! my beauty has been my curse.”

“Alas! I fear that it is so.”

“You speak kind] to me, and 'yet you find
me on board this era. t.”

” I know who you are.”

“And who am 1?” she asked, in a trembling
voice.

“Alma Aubrey.” I

“ Heaven have mercy! I am utterly lost.”

“No, I will not betray 011."

“If you will do this or me I will worship
you - do you know an ht of met”

“I know your brot er well; I was serving as
senior mids ipman on board his vessel, and was
in command, as duty ashore called the other of-
ficers and most of the crew, when Don Diablo
captured her.

‘Was he killed by our fire?”

U 

"Don Diablo."

“Ah, no.”

 

 

“ Then he lives?” eagerly asked the middy.
a Yes »

“ And is wounded, cr—"

“ He is not wounded.”

“ Nor dead?”

“I said no.”

“ Where is be?”

“He is not here.” .

“I know to the contrary.”

“ You do not."

“ I say I do, for I boarded the lugger he rob-
bed this afternoon."

A scornful laugh from the woman caused
Guy Stanhope to regard her with surprise.

“ Why do you laugh?"

“ At your Words.”

“ Where is the fun in them?”

“ You say he robbed a. lugger this afternoon l”

“Yes you know it as we as I."

“ He id not.”

“ I saw this goleta alongside a lug er, and
boarding her was told by her skipper t at Don
Diablo had brought her to and robbed her, and
that the noted pirate was on this craft. "

A scornful laugh from the woman again puz-
zlcd the midshipman, and he continued:

“ I happen to know that he captured this
golcta on the southern coast of Cuba, from a
planter whose daughter he also kidnapped—”

With the bound of o. tigress the woman
sprung before the midshipman, and faced him
with glaring eyes, while she said in a command-
in g tone:

“ ltcpeat those words! he kidnapped a maiden,
you saldl” ‘ '

Surprised at her earnest manner and the sup-
pressed passion in her look and tone he said:

“Yes, he was wrecked in the vessel he took
from me, and which your brother COmmanded,
and his life was saved by the Senorita Nita Su-
binds."

“ Nita Sabinasl”

H Yes. 9:

“N ita Sabinas ” repeated the woman, as
though trying to fix the name upon her memory
forever.

“ That was the name.”

“She saved his lifel” \

“ Yes, she drew him from the surf and nursed
him throu h his illness for he had a. broken
arm, and a Lthis time she believed him to be
Captain Austin Aubrey.”

‘ My brother!”

“ You admit then that he is your brother?"

“ Go on' we were speaking of Don Diablo
and Nita. Sabinas,” she said, in a. tone of au-
thor‘ilsy.

“ all, she ran 01! with Don D.ablo, even af-
ter she knew who and what he was and I was
in the Spanish schooner that gave chose to his
luggcr and this qoleta, which belonged to Don
Isa oro Sabinas. ’ .

The woman was now as white as a. corpse,
and her form trembled violently while she said,
after several eflorts to keep calm:

“ I was captured by one who who would have"

made me his slave, and Don Diablo rescued me
from him.

“ He‘ swore that he loved me be treated me
with respect and kindness, and he fascinated
me, and now I am what I am.

i ‘ Another woman of honor has, like myself,
been fascinated by the serpent, and from my
heart I lty her.

“ No, on Diablo is not on this goleta, sir, for
the reason that he was on the lugger you over-
hauled the day Just passed.”

“The luggerl

H YesI ”

“That was a coflee drogher.” -

“ Not so- it was the ver lugng you say yo
had chased, only so disgu sed a. false stern
‘biulwarks and old sails and slight change of

s- .

“ By Heaven, I believe you are right.”

“I know I am; he ordered me to on island
rendezvous, when we ported from the luggor
some days ago, and meeting raisin, for I was
run ofl my course by a cruiser, e ordered me
to another retreat, and thither I was going
when you chased me.”

“You are in command of this galeta, then?”
asked Guy Stanhope, in surprise.

“ Victorio Nunez was sailing-master, but I
was the one in command.”

“And you say that Don Diablo was on tho
luggerl”

‘ es." . , ,

“.I would like to have seen him.”

“Did you see her skipper?”

“Yes. ’ ‘

“ A tall man With heavy beardl”

ll Yes. 7’

“ What said he to you?” ‘

” That Don Diablo had robbed his vessel and
was on this oleta.”

" Aught c said he!” '

“Yes, that he would not surrender, and the
only way was to sink the goleta and all on

r .

z: 119.! ’that is what he said!”
9.

“ Well, the goleta is sinking.”

H Yes 7’

1:131“; all on board are dead, excepting my-
se . .

4

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The Scarlet Schooner.

 

 

“No, one of the crew, an En man, lives.”
“Hal I did not do my wor well, for I in-
tended all should die, rather than be taken and
be known in my disgrace, when I am believed
dead by my brother. ’
"‘ That is why you would not strike your
flag?" ,
on Yes‘ n
“ You wished to go down?"
“ Yes, and shot down those who wished to ac-
cefiyour offer of pardon.”
e midshipman fairly started at the revela-
tion of the woman; but said: ,
‘ “ ‘lii ’am glad you did not die by your own

“ I am sorry: no, no, I am not sorry now,
for I wish to live to again meet Don Diablo,"
and there was a dangerous glitter in her eye.

“Well, I pledge you I will not betray you,
so have no fear, as none shall know you other
than as a youth, and I will aid your escape.”

“I thank you; but come you see how the
golrta rocks; she is settling ast.” - .

The two hasti'ly left the cabin, and arriving
on deck found that the Englishman was dying,
and Campus Caliente was bending over him,
while the rest of the boat‘s crew were gathering
what booty they could find.

“Come, lads, let us away," called out Guy
Stanhope, advancing with his prisoner.

Cam Caliente started as did the woman,
when t eir eyes met, and t 6 Cuban again bent
over the dying Englishman, and none saw the
knife in his hand sink deep into his side.

“Letustake that r devil with us, boat-
swain," said the mids ipman.

“ He is dead, sir,” was the auiet reply.

", Very well, let us hasten.’

All sprung into the boat and cast off, and ere
they had pulled a dozen lengths toward the
(schooner, the goleta, with a mighty plunge,
sunk beneath the waves.

CHAPTER XXXV.

'rnn WIZARD CAVERN.
ABOUT sixty miles from Vera Cruz, and to
the south on the Mexican coast, is a lofty
mountain whose side slopes downward to the

 

see.

‘From the ocean the mountain looks grand
and yet desolate, for no habitation is visible
upon its slopes, and no curling'smoke arises
from the glens and valleys to mark the home of
man.

Bordering the Gulf of Mexico, the coast
breaks of! abruptly at this point, where a
roc arm juts out into the water, forming a
ma] bay where a vessel can ride safely at an-
chor, uncaring for the storms without.

A number of conical rocks, in fact rising in
allkinds of icturesque shapes, Fare visible on
all sides, an cavernous retreats pierce far in
beneath the hills and into those fronting the
sea, 'when the lee blow from the Gui , the
waves rush wit the shock of an earthquake
and break into spray with a roar like a hundre
guns in action.

Once this bay and its rugged coast was the

, retreat of pearl-divers, who eked out there a

fair living.

But one night of storm the mountain trem-
bled and lurid flames and black dust and rocks
were thrown from many of its cavernous re-
treats; and away fled the pearl-divers, believing
the spot to be the abode of some huge wizard,
and some, in their superstitious dread, calling it
the home of Satan himself.

It was toward this coast, and into the chan—
nel leading to the little bay, that a vessel was
heading one dark, stormy night, a week after
the chase and destruction of the goleta El Sal-

tador.

Upon the clifl stood a man in top-boots and a
heavy cloak, though otherwise he was dressed
as a Mexican, and wore a broad sombrero upon
his head.

He was watchin the vessel Come in, and
said quietly, as he owered his glass from his
e es:

y“ Her pilot knows the channel; but I do not

. ‘ recognize the craft, and did not learn of any

vessel expected here.

“ Melol”

The last word was called in a loud tone, and
he turned toward a large cavernous opening not
far behind him.

But no answer came, and he placed a whistle
to his lips and gave a shrill blast. .

I A mnment and it was answered by a like
shrill note, and soon after a man appeared,
coming out of the cavern, and drawmtg1 his
cloak around him as he confronted the erce
winds.

There was an air of a person above the or-
'dinar class of life about the now-comer, as

,was t ere also about the man who stood on the
cliff, and he saluted the one who had called him
with respect.

“Senor, how can I serve you?” he asked in
Spanish.

" Male, onder vessel is running into the bay
-;under a pi ot who knows well the channel.”

“A vessel, and no report made by the, look-
out? This is strange.” and the man, who an-
swered to the name of Male, gave a long, sharp

.whistle; and repeated it three times.

 

Hur ing feet were at once heard a preach-
ing, an two men in sailor garb came mm the
cavern.

“J 056, you and Juan 0 at once to the look-
out on the mountain an see why he has not re-
ported yonder vessel; holdl there is his signal
now," and as Malo spoke there resounded
through the cavern the ringin of a tocsin.

“ Yes, the low clouds doubt ess obscured the
vessel from the vision of the look-out; but what
do you expect in, Male?” said the one who had
been first on the cliil'.

“ Nothing, senor, for the Don has lost his ves-
sel, and the craft is too large for a smuggler.

“ There goes the look-out’s signal, and we
shall know what he is."

As Male spoke a red light flashed in a circle
for an instant on the mountain as though a
man had whirled a lantern around his head,
and a second after a blue li ht was seen.

A moment passed and a1 eyes were turned
upon the vessel still running rapidly in.

Then there was visible upon her decks what
appeared to be a huge e e of fire.

‘ It is the chief, Don iablo; that is his sig-
nal,” cried Malo, and he stepped closer to the
one he had come out to join and continued in a
low tone:

“ Senor, you had better retreat now to your
quarters, for you care not to be seen.”

“ Oh, no, he must not see me, or even suspect,

until I am ready to act.
“ Good-night, Male, and when the chief has
left come and talk with me.”

“I will, senor," answered Male, and as the
other turned away and entered the cavern, ac-
companied by the two sailors, he descended a
steep path leading to the beach below.

By the time he reached the sand shore of the
little bay, the stran e vessel ha run in and
dropped anchor, whi e a boat was putting 011?
from her side.

Malo and his two comrades awaited the boat
in silence until it grated on the sand, and a tall
form sprung ashore.

“ Welcome, senor chief ' your visit is unex-

ected "said Melo, extending his hand, which
on Diablo grasped.

“Yes, I was running up to Vera Cruz in my
lugger, and remembering that she was known
there, I concluded to put in here and take a
horsze, up to the city; you can furnish me with
two.

“Yes, seller; and you will leave the luggei-
here?"

“Yes, Malo; but has the goleta not arrived 2/”

“ What goleta, sei'ior chief?"

“ I captured a craft which I sent here under
Victoria Nunez, with Captain Alma in com-
mand."

“She has not put into the bay, senor chief.”

“This is remarkable, and I have been de-
layed, too.

“I guess the American schooner must have
overhauled her and either taken her or sunk
her," said Don Diablo, speaking more to himself
than to his companion.

“She is overdue, then?”

“Yes, for with the strong breezes we have
had she should have been here days ago, as she
is vs?7 fleet.”

“ e must have been taken, then, and it is_
bad, for ou have met severe reverses of late,
sefior ch ef.”

“ Yes, but they are only temporary set-backs
and I go now to get me a vessel that will igd
new terror to the name of Don Diablo,” w
savage response.

“ Well, senor, when do yru wish your horses?”

“Upon second thoughts I will need but one,
for, if the goleta, is not here, there will be no
necessity to have a comrade go with me I ex-
pected to take. '

“But, Malo, I wish the lugger towed into the
Wizard Basin to-night, and a guard set to pre-
vent any one leaving the craft, and, should the

oleta come in, have her run into the Black In-
et, and on no account let the crew of one ves-
sel know that the other is here.”

“It shall be as you say, chief; will you go up
to the cavern now?"

“No, I will return on board and meet you
there in half an hour.” ‘

Without another word Don Diablo sprung
into his boat and Male returned up the steep
path to the cliti. .

CHAPTER XXXVI.
FROM DECK 'ro SADDLE.

WHEN Don Diablo returned on board the lug-
er he was met at the cabin companionway by
its Sabinas, attired still in her masculine
dress.
“Well, Nevil, I am ready,” she said, plea-
santllf.
“ y dear little girl, I am compelled to dis-
appoint vou, for I can obtain but one horse,
and I will have to leave you in command of the
luvger, for you are my lieutenant now.”
The: looked disappointed, but made no reply,
and the chief continued:
“The lugger will be towed into a secret
basin, and, as I desire none of th‘. smugglers

 

here to know that we have run in, do not per
mit any one of the crew to go ashore."

«

“ And must I too be debarred from a glance
at 1:3; green fields, valleys and mountains?" she
as

“ Yes, for the present, little girl; but when I
get my new schooner then we will land many a
time and enjoy a trip on shore.”

“Ah me! I fear no grass will look as green,
no trees will cast as cooling shade, no moun-
tains will be as grand as those of my loved
Cuba, in my dear old home.”

“Don’t get blue, Nita; I have only you to
live for, and if I were in a dungeon With you I
would be content.” ~

“I do not repine, Nevil; I gave up all for you
and I ask no more.

“ Ween do you return?"

“ Within a, week at furthest.”

“ A long week away 1"

” It may be in shorter time you will see me.

“ Now farewell."

He kissed her affectionately, and as he turned
awa , still clingi‘i to him, she said, earnestly:

‘f 0 not be reck ess and get into trouble that
may end fatal y.”

“ Nita, I am not doomed to die yet.

“I carry my destiny in my own hand, and I
have an iron gripe upon it yet.

“Adios.”

hHe turned away and was soon once more on
s ore.

As though perfectly familiar with the place,
he ascended the ath to the clifl', entered the
cavern, and, fee ing against tee rocky side,
found a rope ladder.

This he ascended for some thirty feet and
stepped upon a rocky platform, upon which a
lantern dimly burned.

Passing through a narrow passage between
the rocks, he came to a large cavern, some sixty
feet in depth and thirty wide, with shelves
ranged along the sides, and swinging iron lamps
givin light to the place.

In t e Center of this huge rock-chamber was
along table, surrounded by benches, upon which
sat a score of roughly‘drcssed, reckless-looking
men.

Woolen shirts, canvas pants, and sailor caps
predominated in the dress of the men, though
their nationalities were Mexican, Cuban, Span-
ish, American and French; in fact, they were
the dare-devils and outlaws of half a score of
countries, banded together for safety and
clinic.

At the appearance of Don Diablo in their
midst, theya l arose from the table, 11 nwhich
were scattered cards, dice and dominoes, and
saluted him with a respect that was born of fear
rather than love.

“ Well, lads, how is business with yOu?” asked
the chief, throwing himself down at one end of
the table.

“A little dull, just now, senor chief; but soon
our trade will open briskly again,” answered
one, who seemed to be an officer.

“Well, I may give you a chance soon to fill
your pockets with gold, but it will be by piracy,
not smuggling, and consequently cause you to
face double the danger you do new.

“ But I will want only men who are not afraid
of death.”

“ You can find ’em here, sei’ior chief, and I
hope you’ll want us soon, for our blades are
rusting and our muscles softening on account
of hav ng no work, while Captain Male said
only yesterday, if he had a good craft, he would
like to take a short cruise just for luck.”

‘* Captain Malo shall have a good craft before
long, my lads— Ah, Male, you are here, are

you?”
“Yes sefior, and our horse awaits in the
valley for you,” rep ‘ed Male, whose face the

light of the lanterns falling upon was seen to
be that of a Cuban, dark, severe, full of a quiet
dignity and courage, and intelligent, and a trifle
reckless.

lie was dressed in a Mexican caballero suit,
With e(great neatness, wore a soft sombrero, en~
circl by a old cord, and beneath his Spanish
cloak, w ich ung over his shoulders, were visi-
ble in his belt a trio of gistols anda pouiard,
the hilt of which sparkle with gems.

Without another word. yet with an inclina~
tion‘of his haughty head to the outlaws, Don
Diablo arose and followed Male from the cav-
em, and, after passing through along passage-
wag, they came to a glen.

ere stood a man holding a horse, and quickly
the chief mounted.

“Captain Malo, I shall return within a
week—"

“Barring accidents, captain, death uiid—"

“I shall meet With no accidents, seller, but
shall return Within a week, and p-rhaps sooner.

“ Please remember my orders regarding; the

mini over the lugger’s crew. after it is turned
into the Wizard Basin, and in ref~ rence to the
goleta, should she come into the bay.”

“ I will, sei'ior chief; you change horses at the
hacienda of Geneva, you know?” '

" Yes, and the two horses ought to fetch me to
the city by sun-u . .

“ Buenas 'nnchvs, Senor Mnlo.”

Driving his spurs into the flanks of the hardy
Mexman horse, Don Diablo dashed awav at a
speied that showed he had no mercv for the ani-
ma .

Ammng, he‘entered the hotel, and asking for a

The Scarlet VSohooer; I

 

 

 

- CHAPTER XXXVII.
i A DANGEROUS RECOGNITION.‘

HALTING only lon enough at the hacienda to
get another horse, on Diablo pressed rapidly
on, and drew his gaunt, antin animal u at
the door of the principa hote in Vera ,
just as the sun rose above the watery horizon.

Throwing the 1111de rein to a servant in

room was assigned a pleasant one as . is ap-

arance was such that the landlord “sued ‘0

eat him with the greatest respect.

But hardly had Don Diablo gone to his cham«
her and brushed the dust of travel from his
clothes, when there came a fintle knock at his
door, and in obedience to h call to enter, he
started at seeinga Mexican lieutenant and a
file of soldiers file in.

“ Well, senor what means this intrusioni"he -

asked. haughtil , though he did not change
color or move.

“ I beg lgin-don, sehor, if there is a mistake,
but there a man her» who says he saw you
ride up to the hotel, and recognized in you a
vgy dangerous person,” politely answered the
0 car.

“Indeed! and what dangerous person‘am I
said so much to resem'ble’l" asked‘the chief, with
a sneer. '

“ Don Diablo, the Rover senor.”

A lan h broke from the photo‘s lips, and
without he slightest sign of anger or emotion
he answered:

“ A very dangerous recognition I should say
senor officer to be sus ted of being the
famous chief—a man w th a rope around his

neck. _

“ But the same mistake has occurred before,
in Havana and in New Orleans.”

“ I cannot say, senor, that I believe you to be
such; but your accuser is a wealthy ranchero,
and a person of distinction, and rode in from
hisdranch this morning and saw you on the
red .

“ He says he was once your captive and paid
you ransom.”

“You mean the ca tive of the pirate Don
Diablo, senor and pai him ransom. ’

“ Yes, on me, if you are not the chief."

“Who 5 my accuser "

“I am here, Don Diablo, to face you,” and
into the room stepped a gray-haired Mexican'
0 . with stern face and fiashin eyes.

Don Diablo at a glance recognized im as one
he had once captured and seVerely treated, be-
sides having mulctai him out of a most liberal
ransom; but be gazed calml into the face of
his accuser, and said, in his p easant way:

“ We have never met before, senor."

“And I say we have: I will swear that you
are 3011 Diablo thle pirate; ”

our name, p ease, so or.

“ Don Romero Carravas.”

“Well, Don Romero Carravas, I am happy
to see that you have the appearance of a gen-
tleman, for shall hold you personally respon-
sible for this insult.” ~

“ You will be hanged for piracy instead,”st
the Mexican.

“ You are mistaken, seiior' I am Nevil Vane,
an American gentleman, and I own a partner-
ship iu the Canova- hacienda ten leagues from
here, and from whence I have just come.”

The Mexican officer seemed impressed with
the idea that his countryman had made a mis-
take, and so suggested.

But Don Romero was firm, and said an y:

"I suflered too much at the hands 0 that
devil not to know him if I met him at the ends
of the earth.

“I make the charge that he is Don Diablo,
the pirate, and I am ready to thks the conse-
quences." A
“Have you no asproof senor, that you are
what on say?” ed the officer, again stag-
geregh y the firmness of the ranchers.

‘ es.

“Ofcoursehehastrumped- p toearry
him out in his assertions, but {hey are false,
false as-”

With a ssring Don DH lo had confronted his
accuser an his fist, driven’ into the Mexican’s
face, checked his words, and sent him reeling
into the corner of the room.

Then turning to the officer he said with the
utmost coolness: ‘

“ Senor lieutenant, to satisfy you that I
speak the truth, please let One of our men 0
t0 the Barracks and ask for or Fernando
Navaro—”

“ My chief i” said the surprised officer.

“_Yes, for I see you wear the uniform of his
regiment.

‘ Please let your soldier say to Major Navaro
that his old friend, Nevil Vane, is here and in
trouble, and if he recognizes me as being what
Isa I am Isuppose you will be satisfie i”

“ ore than satisfied, Seder Vane,” responded
the officer, fully impressed with the danger of
doubting the gentleman’s word before him af-
ter having seen an exhibition of his marve ous
strength visited upon Don Romero, who had
collected himself from the corner and with his
handkerchief was mopping the blood from his
face, for the fist of the pirate had left its mark:

Navaro recognizes the gentleman?” asked the
officer, and the Mexican ranchero answered
whininglig-n

“ If he ew Major Navaro, why did he not
prove I was wrong—”

“As for your being satisfied or not, I care
nothing, Sir Mexican.

“I punished you for your insulti words,
and if you do not steer clear of me wh e I am
in your city it will be the worse for you,” and
turning to the young officer the chief offered
him a ci ar to smoke while awaiting the return
of the so dier,

They had not very long to wait, for a firm
step wassoon heard in the hall, and an officer
entered clad in full uniform, and his dark,
handsome face showing signs of having had no
rest duringltlhe night past. ‘

“ Well, 'eutenant Sagarta, what means
this sending for moi" asked Major Fernando

Navaro steme addressing the oung officer
afljd ppparently lnot seeing the tag form of the
c e .

“ Don Homeig called at the Barracks, Senor
Major, for me come with him and arrest a
person he'recognined as Don Diablo! but as the
gentleman sends for you there must be some
mistake." '

“ Yes, my dear Navaro, I have been taken
for that curse of the sea, instead of Nevil Vane,
as y0u know me to ,” and Don Diablo ad-
vanced towpi-d the exican.

Major Navaro turned very .quickly, and had
he not done so, his soldiers would have seen his
face grow deadly pale' but without hesitation,
though his voice was house, from an errors to
be perfectl calm, he answered:

“ Yes in eed,i am delighted tor-see you,Vane,
yet regret this unfortunate mistake.

“ My dear Don Romero there has been a fear-
ful mistake on your part, for this entleman
is an American .vhom l have known oryears ”
and Major Navaro shook hands most 00 y
with his old friend, while Don Romero began:

 am indeed sorlry_—” fr m d

accept no apo ogies em you, or, an
if you do not like the blow I ave you, or \my
tone. I can be found here at this hotel.

“ Y’ou, Senor Sagas-ta, I thank for your cour-

The oflicer saluted and with his men followed
the crestfallen Don Romero out of the room,
glad the two, the major and the pirate, were

one. ,

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
A rm or vntnams.

Fort some moments after the withdrawal of
the soldiers and Don Romero the ranchero
from the hotel room, where Don Diablo had so
nearly1 met his ust doom the Mexican major
and t e piratec ef regarded each other in si-

once.

The face of the former was black with pas-
sion, and he stood like a tiger preparing to
spring upon his prey.

The face of the la ter was smilin , calm, reck-
less and defiant, and he leaned a at the . win-
dew, quietly pufinf his cigar.

At last Don Dish 0 spoke, and his tones were
stran \ly soft as he said: ‘

“ ou seem to belie what you said, my dear
gaunt}, and are not glad to see your old friend

ane.

“ no Quesala, I have half a mind to ve
on over to the authorities,” hissed the ma r.
y

“I: would be worth it, for, let me see, Mexico
offers half a hundred thousand pesos on my
head; the Captain-General as much more, the
United States is less, liberal, yet as anxious to
catch me while England promises to y as
much as America, so that you would ti; the

if
transaction over one hundred and ty thou-
sand doll V not to kof the nameof hav-
ing capture Don Dia lo.”
‘ 0h, curse you i"

“Curses do me no more harm, my dear ma-
jor, than do prayers do me .

‘ Ropes, pow er and stee I shun, and I take
big chances with them."

‘ 1n the name of Satan, why came you here!”

“On business.” ,

“ Curse your businessl”

“ I don’t stay so.”

“When di on come!”

“This morn ng.”

H How 2"

“Get your spies to tell you."

“ It was reported that your vessel was sunk.”

“ I have lost several since last we met. "

“ And that you were dead."

“ That is a mistake.”

“I wish it was true. ”

“ Doubtless. ”

“ When do you leave here!"

“ When I accomplish what I came for."

“And boldly put up at a hotel?”

“Why not?

“ Hundreds know you.”
“Oh, no, not here. ‘
“ Don Romero did."
“But you knowing me got me out of that

scrape.” _ .
“ ’11 not do it again.”

 

“You lie."

“ Befiori”

“ You knew it.”

“ I say I will not raise hand to save you."

‘_‘ I believe you; if cu dared, you would
raise hand to strike me the back.’ °
“ I am no assassin, Quesala."

“ You are worse.”

“ Sei’ior.”

“ Oh, you do not make me tremble, Major
Nava so be less dramatic and more rational."

. “In eaven’s name! your coming here will
ruin me.” .
“ It need not.”

“ But it will.”

“ Not if you behave yourself as a villain
should,”

1i “ Ell not hear such language even from your
ps.
“ Oh. yes, you will; hold! touch that sword—
hiltagain, and, Fernando Navaro, itwill be the-
worse for you. .’
With a muttered curse the Mexican dropped
his hand from the sword—hilt, and said, almost
pleadinglfi:

“ For eaven’s sake, Quesala, leave this

city.”

Fernando Navaro, you know me as I do
you. ~ _
“I came here to accomplish a certain poig
pose and I shall do it.
1 “ When that is done I will leave, and not be-
ore.

“ And your coming will compromise me.”

“ Not in t' e least.’

“ It must.”

“ No, but if I get into trouble I shall call on
you to help me out.”

“I will not do it.”

timrmi. a h . a... . , n

ot or t w t o a 's eon.

“But for old friendship’s sake yofiaivm; you
stand high, none better, with the government,
whi.e your being chief of the secre service has
given you secrets to hold in terrorem over the

ends of your superior officers. _

“You can take me around to the club, and
introduce me to ryour friends as your dear
friend from Ame a, Nevil Vans, and all will
be well.”

. “ I will not do it.”
“ You mean it?”
NY .30

“ Beware!”

“ You cannot frighten me.”

“ Then I shall simpl make known that when
the then Lieutenant ernando Navaro went on
a coast surveying I xpedition with three su-
perior oflicers, and they were captured by 1-
rates. and he alone bravel escaped that be id
so with the content of e ch ban Diablo,
whofoundin him a tool to use VeraCrun,
and thiscomradestodeathfihathemhhtgo
up 0 ladder of promotion.

“ And more, that the dashing Major Na
feared balmen, and peth women reee’
twen‘ ousan-i pesos for in arming Ilon Dia-
blo w on the Mexican treasure-ship was to sail
from mmeJamama for arms and sup-
plies to be purchased there.

“ And more, my virtuous major, I will-JI ‘

“Hold! you would not dare make these
charges against me, for you would be hanged,

"I would lose my life to hang you, my dear
Navaro, for I know on as you are.” .
“ Eno h we a not$iarrelfl

“That s just what I so. ."

“Keep clear of me, though—”

“No, no: on the contrary tayou are g to
showme emCrugitsbeau es,its «and
its di taries.

“ ow remain and breakfast with me, for it
will have a good effect, as the news has doubt—
less spread of your intimate friend being miss
taken for that monster Don Diablo.

“ Come, let usgo to breakfast, for I am hun-

gr .3!
The Mexican dared not refuse and the two
men went therto their morning meal.

¢vévilhom started when his eyes fell upon the
ief.

That one was Guy Stanho and his com-
panion was Lieutenant Roger arburton.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
ON THE VERY VERGE.

Wrrn the utmost sa froid, Don Diablo and

his fellow -villain, Ma or Fernando Navaro,
k of their breakfast those who saw them

ittle dreaming the dark histor that lay upon

the life of each, and the red dee s that lay upon

their souls.

Yes; there was one who suspected one of the

two. ‘ -

It was Guy Stanhoge.

Knowing Don Dia lo, from having met him
the night of the capture of the schooner on the
Florida coast, and seein him at the Villa del
Florida, he felt assured t at the person who sat
so Iquietly near him was the chie .

is suspicions he did not even make lmown

to Lieutenant Warburton, who sat at his side,

 

 

“ Oh, yes’, you will.”

 

“Are you satisfied, Don Romero, if Major

“ Never 1’

for having arrived in port, and delivered the
schooner over to the authorities, the officers

And opposite to them set two persons, one of V

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were awaiting the sailing of the packet to New
Orleans,t0 return home, and had taken up their
quarters at the hotel.

Watching the chief narrowly Midshipman
Stanhope came to the conclusion that it was in-
deed the pirate, and that he was playin some
deep game, appearing in the dress of a exican
gentleman. .

Yet why was it that the famous pirate was
in close intimacy with a. Mexican officer of dis-
tinction, and who held the authority vested in
Ma' r Navaro, whom Gu Stanhope had met?

That puzzled him to nd out, and he whis-
pered to Lieutenant VVarhurton:

“ See if you can catch Major Navaro's eye.”

The lieutenant knew that the miushi man
had some deep motive, and presently the exi-
can looked over toward them, and bowed plea-
santly to the American, who returned it core

ially. ,

Don Diublo also looked up, yet though he met
the eye of Guy Stanhope fixed upon him and
recognized him, he showed not the slightest
sign to betray him, and again the midshipman
was puzzled. ‘

“Hurry through breakfast, lieutenant,” said
in a low tone Guy Stanhope to Warburton, and
regiin obeying, the two soon after left the
m .

e. .-

“ Who is that elder officer you bowed to,
Navaro?” asked Don Diablo.

“ An American lieutenant of tlie navyLWar-
burton is his name and he has brought in the
vessel which the Mexican Government had
built bv the Americans especially to hunt you
down Diablo.”

“My name is Nevil Vane; don’t be a fool,
major.”

“ True. "

“I know the younger oflicer, for he was on
the vessel I captured In Florida waters. "

“I saw him watching you, and he doubtless
recognized you."

“ r thinks he does; whata disappointment
for him.

“But come, I am going out for a walk; will
you join me?”

“ Yes, come to my uarters.”

In the meantime uy Stanho 9 had gone to
the hotel oiiice and discovered t at the one he
believed was Don Diablo had registered as
Nevil Vane, and the landlord told of the mis-
taken recognition of the morning.

This again puzzled the mi shipman, and
walking aside with Lieutenant Warburton he
made known his suspicions.

“You must be ' 11, Guy, for he is with
Major Navaro."

‘ True, sir; but did he and his logger not both
fool me in their disguises?” _

“Yet he does not seem to be disguised."

“He is a bold man, as you know, and is evi-
dently fooling‘gie Mexican major; ah! there is
Campos, the tswain: how strange he should
wish to remain in the Mexican service, when he
seems at an. American.’

“Yes, he is a fine fellow and I would like to
have had him with me; but he seems to have
taken such a fancy to the schooner he hated to
leave her, and indeed did I, for I fear I will
never command her like again.

“Well, boatswain, how fares the Wizard?”
and Lieutenant Warburton addressed Campos
Caliente who ust then was near.

“ Well’ sir, t ough I must say I wish you were
back on or.”

“Campasbyou told me you once saw the pi-
rate (Izhief, on Diablo,” said Guy Stanhope,

r .

“33% m” that u h‘ a"

on see gen eman approac mg

“ Y-esYsir," and the Cuban started as his eyes
fell Won his chief.

“ ell, he is registered as Mr. Nevil Vane, an
American, and I say—”

. “Pardon me, Mr. Stanho , but he is start-
lineg like Don Diablo, yet know him well. .

‘ t is Mr. Nevil Vane, and, hearing he was
in the city I came here to as him.”

“ Well, Stanho , what say you now?"

“ That I was m taken, thatis all, lieutenant.”

. “Good-day, boatswain,” and Guy Stumps,
thorough! disappointed, turned away just as
Don Drab o approached and spoke in a/most
friendlygmanner to Campus, the boatswain.

CHAPTER XL.
won NAVARO In LUCK.

WHEN Don Diablo caught sight of Campus
Caliente, no longer in ' suit of a boatswain in
the United States navy, but in the rig of an un-
der officer of the same rank in the Mexican ser-
vice he‘was indeed glad to see him, and said,
quic ly, in a low tone:

. “Meet me at Rafael’s in two hours.”

En aged with an orderly, who had brought
him ' patches, Major Navaro neither saw the
seaman, or heard the fleeting given him by
Don Diablo, which the tter was exceedingly

lad of, as the Mexican oficer must have met

am on the schooner, and observing that he
was nown to the chief, it would have at once
excited‘his icious nature. , '

Afiter rejoining Don Diablo, Major Navaro led

 

him to'his own quarters, which were furnished
with the eatest luxury, and calling a servant
bade him ring wine and cigars.

“ Your cigars I will smoke, your wine I will
not drink, my dear major,” said the chief, with
his sweetest smile.

“ What! do you suppose I would offer you an
inferior quality?”

“Oh, no.”

“ What then i"

“I do not care for your wine.”

“I am a good judge of all liquors.”

“I do not doubt it, and of poisons, too," was
the si niflcant re lv.

“ I you thin I would poison you?”

“ I know you to have done worse."

“ Bah! you fear me.” '

“Oh, no, I fear death at your hands when I
am off my guard.”

“ I am no assassin, Reno Quesala.”

“Nevil Vane, my dear major."

“Well, by whatever name you care to be
called, I say I am no assassin.”

“ Not my assassin, at least. though there are
certain other tun es, if not silent, might tell a
different stor ; t is is a good cigar, major. ”

Fernando avaro turned very pale but made
no reply for the moment, and Don Diablo con-
tinned:

:: You’have elegant quarters here.”

U H

H yggiylive extravagantly.

“Your is rather small for such luxur .”

:21 150m" y

“Yes, and have lost heavil of late.”

“ Draw on the Governmen cash-box.”

“ l have. "

“ Borrow.”

have.” ” '

orrow again.

“ I dare not."

is Why?” I

“ It would cause men to suspect."

“True; it is unpleasant.”

“ It is, indeed. ”

“Do you owe much?”

“ Some twenty thousand pesos."

“ That is a small sum.”

“ To a man that gets his gold as you do, yes."

“ The sea is open to you, too. ”

“I am no pirate."

“ You are worse.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ 1 risk my life for booty; you steal it with-
out risk." _ '

“ You are plain, at least.”

“I am truthful; but how much do you want
me to lend you 7” '

“Did I ask you for money?”

“ No, but you intend to'.’ '

“ Well, give me thirty thousand.”

“ You said just now that twenty thousand
covered your debts.”

“True, but you thought it so small a sum I
put on ten thousand more.”

“ I' never lend, Major Navaro.”

“Then give it to me. "

“ That is what it would amount to, so take me
to your club tonight and we will have a game
together and on can win that sum from me."

‘ Can I trus you?"

“ More thoroughly than I can you- now I

must leave you, n Iwill call and dine with

you.

“ Adios, to near Major Navaro.”

With 3 am 0 Don Diablo took his departure,
and at an easy ace walked down to the plaza,
where he turns 03 into a Iii-street.

A walk of a few minutes rought him to an
inn over the door of which was a sign with an
an or upon it, and beneath it the words:

“El Brigatina.”

Turning into the door that led to the drink-
ing-saloon, where a number of sailors were
drinking villainous aguardientc, Don Diablo
stepped up to the bar where a Spaniard was in
attendance and said, uietlly: '

“ How is Senor ael 0 El Brigatina ?”

f‘ Ho, senor, you are welcome; follow me!”
said the Spaniard, in a. low tone, and he led his
visitor into a back room where Campaa Cali-
ente was discovered seated at a table, a bottle
of Igood wine and a tray of wafers before him.

e arose at the cominglof the chief and mo-
tioned him to a seat, at t a same time saying:

“ More wine, Rafael, and remember the kind.”

“ Stolen fruit is sweetest, senor, and you
shall have that which never had a. peso of duty
paid on the bottle.” \

The wine was soon brought, with more
wafers, and Don Diablo asked:

“What news, Rafael?”

“All is quiet here, senor, but I have feared
for you, as the cruisers are as thick on the sea
as padres at a feast.”

“True, but I do not fear them, or at least will
not soon. 2 ‘.

“Have you a few ood men to spare me?”

“Yes senor, the odor Campas here knows
them  that I have in view as good cam-

“ Ver well, we will need them soon.”

The paniard departed but as he reached
the door, Don Diablo called to him:

i

“Say, good Rafael, have you cut the ears off
of your walls since last I was here?”

“Yes, senor, a knife in the heart deadens the
hearing, and the spy who heard then sleeps
now, so have no fear, ’ and Rafael’s remark was
significant enough to bring a smile of )erfect
understanding to the face of the chief, w iilc he
remarked pleasantly:

“ Yes, Rafael, dead men tell no tales."

 

CHAPTER XLI.
GLAD TIDINGS AND BAD T1DINGS.

“WELL, Cam as, you see I have kept my
word and joine you in Vera Cruz," said I)le
Diablo, after Rafael had left him alone with
Cam as Caliente. ’

“ es, chief, and I was startled to see you
come so bold] without disguise.”

“ Boldness is half a battle often, Campa‘s."

“But you are known to many here, senor."

“True, Don Diablo is well known; but if
Nevil Vane, an American, resembles him great.
ly, what can be said!”

“ I fear they may get a proof of who you are
that it would be impossible to evade.”

“ No, no, not with the great Major Fernando
Navaro my friend.”

“Well, senor you know best what chances
you can take; but the young American mid-
shipman, the Senor Guy Stanhope, who joined
us at Havana, reco ized you.”

“ He thoughthe id. "

“He did do so, and spoke to me of you: but I
said you were the Senor Nevil Vane; and that
I knew you, and he gave up his idea.”

“ You did well, good Campas; but that is a
gallant young officer, and a dangerous one. ”

“ He is a noble young man, senor; I met him
in Havana in company with Don Isadoro Sa—
binas, and Ma ‘or Enrique Alvarado, of the Gov-
ernor-General 5 staff, and my worst foe, and I
was recognized as Caliente the Conspirator.

“ The 1: rec returned, and the Spanish ma‘or
was determined to arrest me, but eft it to id-
shipman Stanhope if I was an Americnn.

‘ I saw that he too recognized me, for I had
done him a good turn once, but he spoke to me
as he would to a stranger, and Major Alvarado
was compelled to be satisfied.

“ But he followed me to Vique’s, and you saw
his body in the Tribunal Hall.”

“Yes, and you did right to get rid of a trouble-
some enemy, Campas; this young Stanhope
came on the schooner with you then!”

“ Yes, senor chief; he goes back with her
officers to the United States.”

“ You found her a stanch craft and 'fast
sailer?”

“A marvel, senor.”

“And Lieutenant Warburton has turned her
over to the authorities?”

“ Yes, senor, and her captain' is on board,
and, by the way, is a great friend of Major
Navaro.”

“Indeed! his name?”

“(Martinez Castellar.”

“Ah! I know him as an old enemy, and he
is a fine sailor and good fighter.”

“ He has that reputation, senor."

“And his crew?

“ All but three are my men, senor."

“Well done, Campos; how many have you
on board ?”

“ Eighty.”

-“ Good and her omcersi”

“ Have not all arrived.” ,

“,When is she expected to sail?”

“It is said within two weeks, but I know or-
ders have been given Captain Castellar to sail
when he pleases, after he has received his [full
com lement of omcers and men.”

- “ ell I can get a score more men from Malo,
at the izard’s Cavern.”

“That will give you a hundred.”

“ Yes, and enou b.”

“You will nee a large crew. chief, for you
are not ver sparing of men I have heard," said
Cam as Ca iente, with a smile. '

“ rue I usethem; but I take the same chances
they do. ’ .

“I do not doubt it; now what do you propose,
senor?” _

“ To sail the third night from this.”

“ I will be ready.”

“ You get all in readiness, and have your men

on are not certain of below decks.”
y

“ I will, senor. ”

“ Late at night I will come on board with
Navaro, and—J '

“I would not compromise him, senor, for he
may be useful at some future time. ”

“ True; well, I will give out that I, Nevil
Vane, leavo on the packet-ship, which sails at
midnight on that night, and none will suspect

me.
“ Then I will work certain dispatches, through
Rafael here, as to get Navaro on board in con-
sultation with Captain Castellar’, and then I will,
in disguise, row out from the shore and the
schooner Will be ours.
“ What think you?”
“A good plan, chief; but why Major Navaro
on board?” 0
Q “Just to give him a little surprise; I will not
,appear to know him, before Captain Castellar.

 

.h

Soalet Schooner.

23

 

 

and, after passing the Castle San Juan d’Uloa
will send them back in my shore boat. "

“As you please, senor chief."

“ Now, Campas, one question?"

“Well, senor?”

“ You remember the schooner overhauled my
lugtrerl”

" 'es, senor.” -

“ And Midshipman Stanhope boarded?"

“ Yes, chief, and most cleverly you deceived
Ill m.‘

“ I sent him after the goleta.”

“ ’i‘ellin r him Don Diablo was on board."

“ Yes: L ill the schooner come up with the
goleta i?" ‘

“ She did.”

“And capture her?” asked Don Diablo, with
some excitement.

“ She sunk her.”

“ Hal with all onboardl"

“ No, senor chief; there was one who did not
go down with the goleta."

“ And who was that!"

“Captain Alma.”

“ Nombre de Dios I”

“ It is true, senor.” _

“ She was saved?" and the chief’s brow grew
black.

“Yes, senor, though she tried hard to die.”

“How mean you'l’

“ She would not strike the flag, and as we
had so few men on the schooner, Lieutenant
Warburton would not board; besides he could
not risk injury to the Wizard, so we poured in
our fire, and yet Captain Alma would not strike
her flag.”

“ She showed pluck,” said Don Diablo, in ad—
miration of the courage of the woman.

“ I never saw nobler bravery, senor."

“ Well, go on, Campus.”

“ When an offerwas made by the American
officer to pardon those who surrendered, Cap-
tain Alma—"

“ Hal such an offer was made?"

“ Yes, senor."

“ And some accepted I”

“ Half a dozen or so, but they signed their
death-warrant in doing so."

“How mean you?”

“ Captain Alma shot them dead.”

“ By the Cross! did she do that?”

“ Yes, senor, she would not allow any to sur-
render, and more, having escaped uninjured,
sought to kill herself, but was saved by Mid-
shipman Stanhope.”

“ Curse the boy! why did he meddle?"

“ He saved herlife, while I, knowing that one
wounded man, English Jack, as we knew him,
would tell all he knew, if carried on the schoon-
er, made his wound fatal by, driving my knife
into his heart.”

“You did well Campos.”

“It was a hard deed to do, senor; but better
hasten his and than have a hundred brave fel-
lows, whatever their crimes may be, swing
from "his treachery, and he was a dangerous
man.

“ I am glad he is dead: now as to Alma?”

“ She was taken on board the schooner, and
only one knew her to be other than she ap-
peared, a,young officer.”

“Welll

“Midshipman Stanhope knew to the con-
tra .3! .

“What accursed boy again.”

“He kept her secret, and the night we
reached ’port she escaped.”

“Hal

“Yes, chief, she dropped from the rt and

vs that

swam ashore it was said, but 1 be
Midshipman Stanhope aided her escape.”

“ Ah! well, he has set a tigress on my truck.”

“ 1 fear so, chief for I overheard her swear
on the goleta to kill you.”

“ Her cause for so doing, Campos?” coolly
askedDon Diablo.

“ Midshi man Stanho told her of your car-
ryin oi! t e Senorita abina‘s."

“ h, curses on that boy, and the woman, too.”

“I fear she will harm you, senor.” ,_

“ I know she will, if—she gets the chance."

‘ ‘ You will have to be wary, for she is in town. "

“ How know you?”

“ I saw her to-day, on my way down from
the hotel.”

“Saw her?”

“ Yes, seller, and she was dressed in her
feminine attire.”

“ Did she see you?"

“ No, chief.”

“ Well, I must goaudlook her up; remember,
the third night from'this and I shall come late,
as I have been 1nv1ted 'by a friend of Major
Navaro’s to attend a masquerade fandango, and
I shall go. .

“ Adios, my good Campas,” and dashing ofl?
his last loss of wine, Don Diablo left the room
and the ouse, in a very good humor at the glad
tidings he had heard regarding the schooner,
and very angry at the bad tidings, to him, of
Alma Aubrey’s escape from the goleta.

CHAPTER XLII.
A DOUBLE summons.
TRUE to his Ipromise, Major Fernando Na-
varo took Don iablo, as Nevil Vane, a wealthy

 

l

 

American, to the club at ni ht, after entertain-
ing him with a most sump uous dinner at his
rooms. *

And, true to his pledge, Don Diablo allowed
the Mexican to Win from him at monté the
sum which he said he would not lend him.

The cool indifference of the supposed wealthy
American at his losses wholly won the hearts
of the Mexicans present, and by noon thefol-
lowing day Nevil Vane was the éted lion of
Vera Cruz, and card! of invitat on flowed in
upon him from every quarter.

But the Senor Vane regretted his inability to
accept the pressing pleadings to dinner and tea
from the old Dons and Duennas with marriage-
able daughters, as he must leave in the packet
for New Orleans, his passage having been al-
ready engaged. , ‘

Yet there was one entertainment he was

lodged to attend, and that was the masquerade
gall to which he had been invited by an inti-
mate friend of Major Navaro.

As for the Mexican officer, he was on] too
anxious to have Don Diablo shown aroun , for
the rumors of his striking likeness to the cele-

’brated pirate chief were floating on every

breeze, and it was his desire to so fortify him-
self with all who met the buccaneer that, should
the crash of exposure come, he would be con-
sidered as imposed upon with the others.

What the chief was doiugin Vera ,Cruz all
his spies could not discover, and why he was
going on the packet-ship to New Orleans, also
puzzled the major.

But that he was going be felt assured, as the
ltihief had engaged passage for himself; this he

now.

And to throw the major of! his guard, Don
Diablo had communicated with Campus Cali-
ente, and gotten him to look up a man answer-
ing to him in personal appearance, and who
could speak English fluently.

Such a persona e the boatswain discovered in
a tall, handsome nglishman, who, with a little
browning up and staining of the hair and mus-
tache would pass very well for Don Diablo.

This man was sent to report at the hotel to
the chief, who inspected him critical! , hnd ap-
parently satisfied, ri ged him out wit clothing
and bagga e, ordere him to try and make up
as much li e him as ossible and gave him a
generous sum of gel with instructions to go
on board the packet-ship about midnight, of her
night for sailing, and play Nevil Vane through-

out.

“ This will protect that devil We the b
proving that his friend did sail on the backs ,
and was not Don Diablo, as some might believe,
and he will be useful to me at another time."

Such wore the thou hts of the chief, and he
laughed at the thong t of also deceivmg Guy
Stlofnhope, by palming 011' a substitute for him-
se .

Having arranged all his plans Don Diablo
attended the masquerade thorough] disguised,
though there were a number of fa senoritas
present who felt sure they would race in the
rich American by his superb form and isttngué
air, and in whose romantic heads, he was the
more adde on account of his mysterious, re-
semblance to the noted pirate chieftain, whose
name was such a terror on sea and land.

The ball was certainly a grand success and
it was with the greatest regret that his or
Navaro received a summons from Captain as-
tellar, of the new Mexican schooner-of~war,
Black Wizard to come on board at once, as he
wished to see im 11 u an important matter.

Of course the mag:- dared not disre ard such
a summons from such a source, and eparted

K31 with deepest regret at the pleasures left
c

All night he had been striving to discover
how Don Diablo was dressed, but each time he
thought he had penetrated his dis ise he found
he was mistaken, and he left the l convinced
that the chief had not attended. .

’l‘o convince himself on this score he strode by
the hotel on his way to the shore and learned
that the American senor, Nevfl Vane, had al-
ready gone on board the Packet-SM .

Inquiry at the qua o the vesse convinced
the in uisitive major hat Don Diablo, believed
to be evil Vane, was asleep in his berth on
board the packet, so he continued on his Kay to
the schooner-of-war, muttering to himsel

“ That Don Diablo is pla ing some deep game
by coming here; but wha it is, I cannot dis-

cover.

“Well, I am thirty thousand esos in by his
comin ,and can see no way of ing detected
aslhi’s’ friend—bahl 'his friend! I mean his—his
a . .
lK'hile the gallant major, whose dark deeds
were so thoroughly kept under a bushel from
the eye of the public, was en route to the quay,
a. man was standing in the window of the house
in which the ball had been given looking at the
dancers. _

He had seen the ma‘or de art, and then, for
the first time entered t 6 ha] —rocm.

But hardliy had he engaged in one dance,
when a slen er form came up to him and whisp
pered in his ear.

The lad was in a handsome sailor suit, repre-
senting a. reefer in the Mexican navy, and his

 

face was concealed b a mask; but‘ the one he
whl ered to heard distinctly the words:

“ he Senor Campas says do not delay, but
come at once.” *

And out of the room the two went together,
the tall man in the uniform of a Mexicali gene-
ral, and with his face masked, and the lad ‘in
the reefer‘s suit.

“ You come from the Senior Campus, my
lad?”

“ Yes, senor." . '

“He is anxious to be off then, fearing some
dan or?"

“ e is, senor.”

“ You are one of the crew?" ~

“ Yes, senor."

“ Who were you told to seek?"

“ Yourself, senor chief."

“And how knew you me?"

” He told me you would be dressed asa Mexi~
can eneral."

“ h yes; then come, and to-morrow yonder
revelers will learn of that which will astound
them, and cause them to dread still more the
name of—”

The chief paused, and the lad added:

“ The name of Don Diablo, senor."

 

CHAPTER XLIII.
an UNWELCOME vrsrron;

WHEN Major Fernando Navaro arrived on
board the Mexican schooner-obwar Black Wiz-
ard, he found Captain Castellaranxiousl y await-
ing him, to place before him some information
received from asailor who reported that he was
skipper of a polacca that had come in an hour
or so before. ,

The skifiper had said he was chased in from
Tam ico, y a swift-sailing lugger, carrying the
well- mown and much-dreaded flag of on Di-
ahlo, the pirate, but had saved his vessel by run-
nin inshore into shallow water. ‘

“ on know, Major N avaro that though I
have my crew on board, excepting the marines
I have but one omcer to aid me, the others the
are ordered to report to me having not yet ar-
rived, being absent ona cruise in another ves-

se .

“ But if you can spare me some soldiers and
one or two artillery ofl‘lcers to command the
guns, I will, with my lieutenant, run out at
once after this noted pirate, and render a good
accountof myself." '

“You shall have the man, my dear captain
and several good ofllcers too, and I .wiil send a
once for them, and await here their arrival,"
was the ready answer of the Major-Comman-
dante of Vera Cruz. -

The messen er was called and disgztohed to
the shore on in mission and then ajor Na-
varo, governed by his ruling passion, sug ested
a game of cards to kill time, until the val of
the soldiers.

Captain Castellar willingly consented, and
leavin the Mexican lieutenant in charge of the
deck, t 0 two oflicers retired to the cabin for
their game of cards.
pod were thquin the excitement of
losing an winning, for they were pinyin for
high stakes, and were alternately in good and
ill- uck, the failed to observe a form coming
out of the s ow of the cabin, and approach-
ing the table where the sat. .

he new-comer tr noiselessl , seemingly
gliding, rather than walking; an his appear-
ance was enough to excite orror In any one

guingufion him.

Frio? end tofoot he was dressed in brightest
scar e .
But, strs of all the suit fitted his form

closely, and. 0 had huge wings, armed with
s claws, extended out from the back on
either side.

His feet ran 01! to a point, upon which was a
claw, and his long fingers were similarly orna-
mented, while two horns, black as ebony, pro-
jected from each temple.

His eyes were black and piercing, his nose
hooked, sharp and long, his teeth white and

littering,end his hair, a sickly green, rose up
» n a ridge along the center of his sad.

Across one arm was 9 long, forked tail care-
lessly thrown, and in his right hand he carried
a black pitchfcrk, that might become a very
dangerous weapon. . _

Nearer and nearer this hideous being, this di-
abolical visitor, seemingly from the infernal re-
gions, cre t to the two gamblers, and then, un-
noticed s l by them, bent an earnest gaze upon
the me.

“ ake it a thousand pesos, Major Navaro,
and I will play another game,” said Captain
Oastellar. .

“ Let us say two thousand, senor.”

“No, you are too hi h for me, and if I‘lose
that much it will severe y cram me."

“jWell, make it a thousand, ’responded the
ma or.
“ Gentlemen, make souls the stakes, and per-
mil! me tojoin your little game."

The deep voice breakin in upon their quietude,
startled them; but the ideous being bendin
over them with grinning face and itchfor
ready, alarmed them to t at extent, t t their
superstitious natures were excited fearfully,

14..-.

<. 1 ;, 5-..; .

é‘1-#.

-u‘;..,e a-.-‘

. rm.

w‘.":‘-. .1. a;

, ,

24

.4 v n‘Am—J granny. item:

The Scarleg 

“.-,r-,.,. u...  u-.. .7..-”   .. ,

 

 

and thou bhoth arose in terror, they sunk back
in their c unable to fly from what they be-
lieved in reality to be Satan himself 1

 

CHAPTER XLIV.
a omen or mos.

FOR a moment neither Major Navaro nor
Captain Castellar could utter a word, other
than the exclamation of horror that arose to
their lips, upon makin the startling discovery
of who was their unwe come visitor.

Then the cool efl’ronter of the Mexican army
ofloer, and his courage, or he was certainly no
coward, whatever his crimes might be, asserted
themselves, and he said in a firm voice:

“ Who are you?”

Thsafil‘m I” l hat i h

e eepresponsewasnotarepyt at or
gentleman coveted; but Major Navaro replied:

“Nonsense i What means this silly mas-
queradingi"

“ It is no silly uerading, Major Fernando
Nave align will nd out.

“jBa I uld. know that voice," cried the
ma or.

" tell you that I was Satan; now I tell you,
seilors, that I am Don Diablo, and you are my
s.

Both man now uttered angry exclamations,
and they would have thrown themselves bodily
upon the intruder, but he waved them back,
and said sternly:

“Behold! if you value your lives utter no
loud word, or you die."

They glanced in the direction in which he
gginted, and across the whole back of the cabin

held, in the dim light, a line of seamen, all
with firearms leVeled upon them.

“Thereis some shameful work in all t ,”
cried Major Navaro, excitedly.

“Don’t agitate ourself needlessly, my dear
major, for lt‘will ono ed, and your life, and
that of Captain C or, are not in danger;
but ylour vessel is in my power."

“ adre do Dion! can this be truer’groaned
the t captain.

“ true as that you stand there, Captain

stellar ”

Ca .

“ This is fearful.”

“For you,’and the major here it is a sad
blow, senor captain; but for me it is a stroke of

fortune.

“You see I have had a run of bad luck of
late, and I needed a vessel I could run from mé

' toes in, catch any craft afloat, and also fight 0
a cruiser with.

“To secure sucha vessel I sent an ofiicer to
the United States, where the build the fleetest
crafts that fly the seas, and e discovered this
one, learned who it was for, and when the
schooner dropped anchor here, you shipped for
seamen my crew.”

“Nombre de Dios I" burst from the ii of the
almost broken-hearted naval oflicer. w ile Ma-

rta-avers muttered a curse through his shut

“It is true, sefiors; and more, to get you,
Major Navaro. on board, I had one of my men
Bios: ski retapohooaand tellastoryof

Dia obeing in the oiling, end of course
Captain Castellar sent for you.

‘ And while you have been gambling, and

minder, cheating as is our custom, have
quietly taking  of this splendid
vessel, and now ho.d you prisoners.”

Another groan from the two men brought a
smile upOn the scarlerrpainted face of Don
Diablo, and he continued:

“ Have no fear, for as soon as I run out of the
reach of the us of that old Wile of mis-
er , the San can d’Uloa, I will tel? you two,
Bogota, back to your fair city, to how clev-
erl Don Diablo got possession of the Black
W 2rd.” r

With a word to his men to keep the two ofli-
cers in the cabin, Don Diablo went on deck, and
gave orders to get the anchor up.

Campos Caliente, a thorough seamen, already
had eyerythin in readiness, and the fleet
schooner, so. verly and darineg cgptured
was flying from the harbor under a oud of
canvas.

Recognizing her the castle fired no shot
across er bows, and soon after she had gained
a. safe omng and la to u n the dark waters.

“Now, seiiors t ere a shore boat along-
side, and yonder lies D’Ulca, so you cannot miss
gettinglback, for you, Captain Castellar, know
the lig to.

“A pleasant trip, seiiors, and thank your
Government from me for its beautiful present
of this schooner.” I

With angrycfaoes, yet lad of their escape
from the c n has of the c ief, and in silence,
the two ofllcers went over the gangway into
the waiting boat, and seizing the oars Captain
Castellar pulled toward the castle, a league
away, while ‘the schooner was suddenly il-
lumined bflla blue light, and up to her peak
went the b ck flag of the huccaneer. ‘

 

CHAPTER XLV.
run cannonor.
WHEN‘the going out of the blue light left the
schooner once more in gloom, Don Diablo turn

edge Campus Caliente, his first lieutenant, and
w .

“ Senor douse every light on the Wizard, and
run for the mountain retreat, while I go into
:he cahin and get of! this masquerading cos-

ume.

“Yes, you are devil enough without the need
of horns and claws."

This startling truism was spoken b a slen-
derly-formed person who sudden] gli ed down
into the cabin and dies ared mm the si ht
of the astonished Don iablo and his no es:
amazed lieutenant.

“By the cross, but that cabin-boy of yours,
Senor Caliente, wilee food for fishes if he gives
vent to his thoughts in that 1e.

“He may think what he paeases, and I can-
not but agree with him in h views regarding
me but he must has those ideas to himself,
said Don Diablo, too borougth delighted with
his new vessel, secured for him by Camdpes
Caliente, to punish the lad as he felt ncline .

“He is not mg protege, senor captain, for I
would not have rought a boy on board.” ,

“Not of your shipping, Campus? Then who,
p”? ' dig? “it” ght did chief h

‘ co n on on as e
came on boarXWith you.’y ’ ’

“True, but he was the same youth whom you
sent to me at the ball."

“ I do not understand you, seflor.”

“ Did you not send that led to me at the mac-
querade tonight?”

“ I did not, senor.”

“ To bid me hasten on board?”

“ No, senor."

“ Campus Calientei”

“ Senor Don Diablol”

“ Are you trifling with me?"

“ Tgon my life, no.”

“ on what does it mean l”

11‘; I am in utter ignorance to what you refer,
c e .

' “ At the ball, shortly after Major Navaro do
parted to come on board this schooner, a youth
that one who came with me in the boat, walke

p me an you e in come a ter
u {15,0 d said had hi f
me.

“ I sent no such message, sir.”

“ Of course I obeyed, and he came on board
with me.”

“ That I saw, senor, and believed he was your
proté é.”

“ o, sir, but I will find out whose he is, and
whi)  he niinaty as,” 8.111)? Don Diablo en-
gri { own 0 e on n.

A the table sat the cabin-boy who had so in~
solently addressed the dreaded chief upon his
own deck.

He was dressed in his sailor suit of reefer,
and his head was bent down over a book, so
that Don Diablo did not see his face when he
entered.

But going up to him be seized him by the
shoulder and rudely raised him upon his (set, at
the same time as g angrily:

“ Well, boy, w o and what are you?”

The face was now raised to meet the burning
6 es of the chief, and with an exclamation Don

iablo started back, a name upon his lips:

“ A lma I”

“ Yes, Reno Qliliesala I am Alma Aubrey,
whom you song t to desert for another, one
more beautiful than am I, but whom one day
you would cast aside as you did me, were you
to live to do so. "

“Alma, this is nonsense,” and Don Diablo,
for the first time in his life was cowed, and by
a woman. I

“ Is it?” ‘

" Ipdeed it is, for you know I did not desert
ou. ,
“ What!”

“ I sent you to the Wreckers’ Isle, and there
I expected to join you as seen as I captured this
schooner.”

, “In your face, Reno Quesala. Ifling the lie,
for £0u hoped I would be sunk in the‘ potato.

“ ut I ave lived to disa int you, and I
tell you, red~handed man t at you are, the
crushed worm has turned upon the one who
so longtrod it under ,heel, and 1 strike for re-
venge.

She sprung upon him as she spoke, a lon ,
slender blade in her hand, and with the re. 51—
gity of the lightning’s flash struck at '

5

But the blade shivered to atoms against some
hard ob ect, and, with unmoved face, although
she had u too ,quick for him to avoid or pre-
vent the blow, he laced his hand beneath his
scarlet garb and row out a small miniature,
while he said in cool, cutting tones:

“ Alma Aubrey, see what has saved my life
from your hand.

“ She gave it me but three nights ago.”

Pallid, trembling unnerved at her failure,
Alma. Aubrey stood before the sneering, fear-
less man, the picture of woe and fury; but her
eyes fell upon the miniature, a likeness in a
gemI—lstudded medallion setting, and she hissed

ort : r
“ Reno Quesala, who is that woman?”
“ Her name was Nita Sabinas; she is now

m wife.”
3i‘he woman tried hard to speak, her eyes

 

 

glowed, and she stretched forth her hands as if
mortal anguish or in pathetic pleadin .
, A icture of miser she stood an insfint be-
fore e splendid-loo ng demon, and then, with
her lips moving, yet utterin no word, she sunk
in a heap upon the floor of t e cabin.

And not one look of ity crossed the man’s
face. and his tones were eartless as he said:

“ Don Diablo, again you owe your life to
Nita Babinas.”

CHAPTER XLVI.

TEE COMBAT.

WHEN Alma Aubre returned to conscious-
ness, after her deathli e swoon, she shuddered,
for her slender wrists and ankles were in irons,
and she was confined in the prison pit of the
schooner.

For awhile she could hardly realize the true
situation she was in, or that Don Diablo had
proven himself so inhuman as to treat her like
a mad animal.

But at last it came upon her in all its vivid
misery, and she burst into an agony of weep-

in

gut in that desolate place none heard her
cries of anguish, and if hearing them were too
well used to sights of suffering, both mental and
physical, to heed them.

t last a visitor entered her dreary prison,
for it was nothing more.

A visitor with a heart of adamant, and a face
as cruel as a tiger’s.

He hrou ht her acct to sleep on, a jug of wa-
ter, some cod, and left her Without a word.

And thus the hours passed, and they made
da s and nights, and still only her cruel-faced
jailer came near her.

She knew that the schooner had been fiyin
over the waves for hours. and. again it was rol -
ing lazily in a calm- then came a storm, and
then the anchor was dropped and she felt that
they were in some port.

Again the fleet vessel was at sea, riding the
waves and then a form entered her prison.

j iIln the dim light she saw it was not her

8. er.

By the light of a dark lantern he opened, she
beheld the ace of Don Diablo, and it was cruel,
hard and triumphant.

By the lantern’s light he too saw her face,
and it was like that of a corpse, lines of sufler-
ing were drawn upon it, and the bright eyes
were sunken.

” Well, my intended murderess, how like you
your quarters?" he asked, With a sneer.

“The grave is preferable,” was her quiet re-

593%;

sea, will
here Alma.”

“ i care not how soon the change come."

“ You seem indifl'erent to your fate.”

“ I am wholly so.”

“ Do you not fear to die?”

“I fear to live.”

“ Ahl ’you dread misery of soul and anguish

of body;- _ _

i‘l” end heartpam, that is all, Reno Que,
sa 9..

“ Well now I know what will make you feel,
let me tell you that I sailed from Vera Cruz to
my retreat on the Mexican coast to find that
an American cruiser had been there and de-
stroyed my logger, having been piloted into the
bay by a traitor. _

I was near] frantic from dread that one I
loved had been. cat to me forever: but I found
her hiding in a cavern with her maid, and one
who had taken her there; my faithful, de-
formed Coocha.

“ With cy'in my heart I brought her on my
vessel, an now I am happy, for, as I told you,
Alma, sheds my ufife.”

“ Poor, unha p woman,” was all that came
from the lips o e cruelly-tortured bein who-
had become Don Diablo’s victim of bitter to.

“I tried to keep you two from meeting,
Alma, ” resumed the c ief.

“Butegou would be jealous, and see how it,

“You know that to beautiful bride is on
heard my vessel, and but her presence makes
me happy: but she little knows my secret, and
that I old you here in irons.

“ And she shall never know.”

“ Poor woman.”

“ You are the one to be pitied, Alma.”

“No, I am nearer death than she is, and I
would welcome the grim destroyer with all my
heart, while, knowin that ere long life must
grid, ,i’nakes me too 'vinely happy, Reno Que-

a. .

He seemed disappointed and angry that he
could not wring from her pleadings and tears,
and with a bitter oath he closed the dark lan-
tern and turned away, Ieavmg her again alone.

When he was gone her brave, proud heart
seemed to sink within her, and she became al-
most unconscious.

But suddenly she was aroused by an excite—
ment on deck, and she heard ringing orders in
Don Diablo’s voice to set sail.

Then the schooner seemed fairly to bound
from wave to wave, so rapidly did it fly away.

 

vs, a grave at the bottom of the
me next change you make from

'has end

The Scarlet Schooner.

25

 

 

until suddenly loud orders were given, and it
went about, while the deep boom of a cannon
was heard, and the striking of a shot followed.

From keel to trunk the schooner shuddered
as her guns opened; but it was a running 
the poor woman knew, and sh’e was aware is
Don Diablo had met more thin his match.

And louder and louder the guns roared in the
distance, and those on the schooner answered
rapidly, while the crashing of iron upon the
deck and riggin of the beautiful vessel told
that she was an ering severely under the en-
emy’s fire.

hen too came the groans of wounded men,
and follow 11 came voices in ringing command.

What coul it mean?

A minute after told the story, for the schooner
again went about, and from another quarter
came the roar of heavy guns, minglin with
those already pouring a hot fire upon the ucca-
neer craft.

Between the two fires the schooner suffered
fearfully, the shot tore up her decks and throu h
her hul , her rigging was splintered, her as 1
cut to fragments, and her crew, 11 htin bravely
died one by one, until their loo trickled
through the rents and dropped upon the wo-
man.

She knew that a fearful, desperate battle was
in progress, that the fierce chief was fighting to
the bitter end, and she wonderedi how it all
would terminate. »

That she would soon know, for there came the
thrilling cry of:

“ Boarders, follow me!”

Then heavy falls upon the deck, the rattle of
pistols, and clash of outlasses, and next cries for
quarter. ‘

Then Alma Aubrey 'knew that the fight had
ended, and that the schooner had been captured,
and she felt that the beginning of her revenge
had come. '

CHAPTER XLVII.
ALMA’S nuvaNen.

Tucson in darkness, and below decks, Alma
Aubrey had right] udged each phase of the
battle, from the g t of the scho’oner, when
caught on a lee shore by a lax-g: adversarg, to
the coming to the aid of the cm or a secon’ foo
that soon ended the combat.

Up to the last Don Diablo had fought with
the fury of a demon; but his crew cried for
quarter, when theysaw that all was wholly lost
and they but a handful remaining to cope wtth
adversaries vastly outnumbering them, and the
chief was left alone. .

No, not alone, for his loved wife clung to him,
his deformed slave was by his side, and Alena
zvas on her knees, grasping the dress of her mis-
ress.

It was a sad yet grand picture, to see the yet
defiant chief thus face his toes.

But he laid his sword at his feet, to save the
woman he really loved, and a few moments
after he, was in irons.

And Alma Aubrey?

Found in her loathsome prison pit, and be-
lieved to be a captive of the pirate she was car-
ried on the American brig-of-war that had cap-
tured the schooner, and most kindly cared for
by the oflicers, while poor Nita, refusing to
leave her husband, remained ‘by his side below
decks, and did all in her power to soothe his
sorrows. ,

At length the bri -of-war, with the crippled
Elation» ightow, an t her pntzoners,sail for

11 ago, e neares port,“ repa images,
for the pirate had hit some hard blow to an-
able her to continue on to Havana w th Don
Diablo, who, having been taken in Cuban wa-
ters,twas tobe given up to Spain for pun_is_h;
m

an .

Wild with excitement over the ca ture 0115:
noted Don Diablo, the citizens of antiago ex-
tended to the American oflicers every courtesy,
and in return, when the brig was ready for sea,
a gala entertainment was given on board and,
unmindful of the sad hearts of those in irons,
the avaliers and sed‘oritas danced merrily to
the strains of sweet music.

But from this scene, where she was not known
other than as a captive of the pirates, Alma
Aubrefi crep’t away unobserved, and descended
to the eck elow.

Making her way aft, unnoticed, for the sailors
were bus on deck watching the dancers, she
(811113120 1; eplace where Don Diablo was con-

Moodin he set upon a gun, his wrists and
ankles ironed heavil , and b his side the
wretched, sorrowing its, Whi 6 near by was
the deformed Coocha, and the octoroon, Alena.

“ Reyna 'Quesals, I have come for my re.
van .

DE: Diablo started at the ‘words, and in the
dim light recognized who it was that spoke to
him»

“ Do your worst, only spare her sorrow,” he
answered, sternly.

“ What have on a inst my husband, senior?”
and Nita turne to ti: woman, whom, still in
her masculine attire, she believed to be a

youth.
“ More than the tears of angels can ever wash
out,” was the bitter reply.

 

“ Now, Don Diablo, hold forth your hands,"
she said, sternly.

He did not obey, and bending over, while
Nita watched her carefully, she quickly un-
locked his irons.

“Nombrq dc Dias! what does this mean?"
cried the chief in utter amazement.

“It means that you are free; here is a rope
so you can lower yourself from this open port
into the sea; your slave I also release and you
two can carry your wife and her mai .

“$1ickl for' you have no time to lose.

“ our guard has alread deserted, and a
small shallop awaits you aca le’s length estern;

l

Don Diablo tried to detain her; but she had
already unlocked the irons from Coocha’s feet
and hands, and glided away.

He dared not call alou to her and, acting
with promptness, as he always did in danger,
he seized the rope and lowered Nita, wonuer-
ing, silent and hoping, noiselessly into the wa-

ter.

Next followed the octoroon, then Coocha, and
last himself.

The feet of the merry dancers on the deck,
and strains of music, destroyed all other sounds,
and, unnoticed by the watch, the four swam
away u n the dark watem. '

A cab e’s length distant a little shallop was
lyin to, and upon this the four fugitives soon
stoo ; a. man was at the helm, another ready
to set all sail, and a minute after a six-knot
breeze was driving the craft seaward.

Thus did Alma Aubrey, the poor, deserted,
cruelly-treated woman, have her revenge.

 

CHAPTER XLVIIl.
RETROBPECTION.

KIND reader those who kindly followed the
romance of “ bon Diablo, the Rivals of the
Sea,"to its end, will remember that the red-
handed and black-hearted buccaneer chief es-
caped through many a scene of danger after-his
vessel was sunk by an American cruiser, and,
in the Sea Gipsy, he so boldl captured from
the rival corsair, Captain aldr'n, be con-
tinued to d e the seas with the blood of his vic~
trims, until a was at last run down by Howard
De Vigne, his own son, and, as was believed by
all, slain and thrown into the sea with the dead
of his crew. ‘

The schooner that tracked the dreaded irate
to his end was a str e craft, indc , for,
from hull to topmast, s e was red, altho h
otheavivise the twin craft, or sister vessel, of t e

a psy.

And, in the mad battle Howard DeVigne
who commanded the Red Schooner believed
he had revenged the cruel death of his mother
at the hands of his own father.

And so thought another person on the Red
Schooner, for
the shot that had laid the chief low in death.

That other person was supposed to be a cabin-
boy; but in reality was a woman, and none other
than the once loving, beautiful and
Nita Sabin“. .'

When at last she could no longer be blind to
the fact that she was but the plagtlgionég for, a
short year of Don Diablo, the hot - l in the
veins of Nita Sabinas, the Cuban maiden,
turned to fire and her jealousy was aroused in
all its mi ht.

But w en,, one day Don Diablo visited
her in her retreat in havens, and told her
boastfully that he had killed her brother and
her father, who had steadily tracked him to
seek revenge, her love began to turn tohate.

And bitter indeed became that hatred when
she discovered that the man for whom s 0 had
sacrificed everything in life, had deserted her to

andruu down 0 her fair ame.

hen it was her love turue wholly to a desire
for raven e as firm as ever was felt in the heart
of an In 11, and to seek’that revenge she made
the one aim, one object of her life.

With her to decide was to not, and setting
out upon her task, she first visited the convent,
where Don Diablo had told her with a sneer
love for him had driven Alma Aubrey, and
from her lips, then a devoted sister of the
church, she heard the story of her wrongs.

Then, etc by step. she unraveled the breeds
of Dan Dis 10 s crime-stained life, and believed
at last she had ended that career when she saw
him fall, and she fell seva wounded upon
deck in the conflict between 9 Sea Gipsy’and
the ed Schooner.

But Don Diablo was a cunning as a fox, and
when‘ he saw that all hope was gene, that his
crew was beaten, and his vessel in the hands of
his bitterest foe, his own son, he fell like one
dead upon the deck, and, with the dead was
thrown into the sea.

Not far awa was the land, and how a bold
swimmer, an , as he breasted the waves he
gore that the world should again hear of bon

‘ablo. '

How he kept that oath the followin ’, chapters
will show.

And poor Nita Sabinas, the supposed cabin-
bo of the Red Schooner? .

or long weeks she is hovering between life
and death, and tender y cared for by Luellle

rom him, he believed, had come '

 

Memdu,.untilatlastshecamobacktolife and
health

And then into her heart crept a lougng to re-
visit the home and scenes of her chil ood; the
grand old villa that Time was leaving deep foot~
prints upon.

Biddin farewell to her kind friend with a
sad hea , she took passage in a vesse bound
for South America, and which was to tomb at
Havana, once more trusting herself upon the
treacherous see, so long the theater of the red
deeds of the one man she had loved on earth,
and who had so cruelly brought only anguish
upon her. , '

With a fair breeze the good ship sailed away;
but, alas! never to reach the destined port.

CHAPTER XLIX.
our or ran Dnrrns.
Damon dyingmfrom the skies, and the
gloom of approac g night falling upon the
waters. -
A rosy tint and the last glimmer of sunset
struggling in the west, and in the caste bank of
storm—clouds, rushing higher, like legions of
plack, charging steeds, rushing to overwhelm a

 

oe.

The waves of the sea rough and foam-crested,
from the effects of the late tern est, and tossing
about here and there, bufl’eted y wind and we.-

ters, the only object visible upon the broad ex?

panes of the restless, mighty ocean—a "wk,
gisngmtled and sinking slowly doum into the
e t s. '

‘he masts had been wr. nched short of! bythe
hurricane. her bulwarks were battced, and
every object that could be swept away, had
disappeared.

Presently, out of the cabin came a human
form, that of a woman.

A woman, and yet one whose years had not
been many, though there were deep traces of
their hav ng been sorrowful years, stamped
upon a face that was yet most beautiful.

She was dressed in a serviceable suit, and her
hat: was short, and clustering in ringlets around
her neck and temples.

Glanoing westward she saw the rosy hue left
by the setting sun, and then, as the low rumble
o thunder can ht her ears, she quickly turned
her aze tower the east.

“ nother tempest, and this old hulk already
nearly battered to pieces, and I alone of those
who sailed in her spared, for those who left in
the boats I knew must have been lost.

" Ah mel why was I spared!

“ No vessel in sight, no land in sight' only the
storm‘coming on tcsend meto my dea -— Ah!
there is ' d!" and her eyes were turned upon
the dark line on the horizon.

Gradually the light faded and shut outthe
land, and nearer and nearer came the howling

temgest. -

8 ll on drifted the wreck, directly landward,
and nearer and nearer rushed the destroying,
chaotic mass of wind and waters.

Alarmed b the shrieking winds, the roar of
waters and t e viVid flash of lightnin , the wo~
man ran back into the cabin, ' at as wreck
was seized in the very teeth 0 the tempest, and
hurled onward with fri ti'ul velocity.

Onward and onwar the wreck was driven,
until presentldy, it made one mightwa in the
darkn an came down with a ul shook
upon munch reef ‘of rock, while the waves
broke over the devoted craft. 1 -

But thestbut hull withstood the fierce shock,
and the winds swept harmlessly‘by, while the
waves onlycast the spray upon the high stern
mega wagon began to hope that see might
ye . ’

All t rou h the night she watched, waited
and prayed, or she cared not to be to
pieces 11 n the rocks, and with the am 3 -
mar of 83m want on deck.

The sea was {get white with foam, and the
waves rolled in rcely and with fearful roar;
but the wind.wss going down, and hope sprung
up in her heart, for be ond her was land.

Bold, rugged, forbi ding, it was; but yet it
was land, and hence a refuge.

Thankful for this discovery and worn out with
her long exposure to danger, hardshi and
watchin she returned to the cabin, and w-
in ' horse f down upona. sofa sunk fastto sleep.

r sev hours she slept a dreamless sleep
of fatigue.

Then she awakened with a start, and a cry es-
ca d her lips, for she was not alone.

tending near her, gazing with respect, and
yet with ardent admiration upon her were half
a score of human beings.

They were roughlooking men, clad in blue
woolen shirts, canvas pants, tarpaulins and
heavy boots, and all of them wore a belt of

arms.

Outlaws they must be; ay, wreckers, for the
island was one of the Bahamas, where half a
century ago, and long before, false beacons
v’v'ere set each night of storm to lure the richly-
freighted vessel to destruction.

And yet these men gazed with respect upon a
woman, the only being upon a wreck that had
been driven by the cruel waves and wind upon
their island. ' ' '

And as they 1, had, she sprung to her feet

_“.;

« -.:..—-¢

 

. I‘m-9r“  L-~-~:_u...u_..,.»x.-. .- .. M.-.“

The Scarlet “Schooner;

 

 

and lancing around upon them said quickly:
“ en, who and what are you ’ .l
“ The Wreckers, senora, d members of the

Lowe.” - , .
“ hat league?” she asked, not comprehend.l
ing them Wholly. I .

“The Buccaneer Lea e, senora, that no-
knowledges Don Diablo c ief.” .

At that name the face of the woman turned
pale, and she said. falterin ly: _

“ You are the Bahama recke then?”

“ Yes, senora,” continued thespo esman. .

“ And this is one of the islands that this wreck
has driven upon 3”

n Y“, “norms.” -

“Then I need expect no more mercy than
from wolves,” she said, with scorn in her voice
and look.

“ Pardon, sefiorita, knowing you as we do,
you are entitled to any respect that we can
show.” said the leader, firmhtully.

“Knowing me?” she ed, with surprise.

“Yes, lady.” _ a ' .

“ You do not know me.”

“ Yes, sefiori!a.”,a ,,

“ Who am I?” ,

“The Senorita Sabinas that was; now the
wife of our chief,” was the firm'res se.

“No, no, no! am not his w' e, for he is
dead,”sbe cried in a tone of deepest feeling,
while up before her surged like a nightmare the
whole buried t.

“ Don Dish 0 dead, lady?” and the man asked
the uest’ion with surprise. ’

a.

“ It‘is hard to believe, lady, for we Wreckers
were broken up some time ago, and yet here
we are. .

“ hen, Don Diablo has been killed so often,
and yet lives.” I -

“I saw him die.”

“ Ah! then there can be no,doubt.

" When and where was this. lady?”

“It was when his schooner..Sea Gipey, was
sunk by the Red Schooner, six months 130."

“ W y, lady, have you not seen h since
then ?” asked the man, with evident surprise.

“How should I, when May to you that he is
dead.”

“ No, lady, Don Diablo lives.”

“ No! no! no!”

“Yes, sefiora, he was here one week ago.”

“ What! Dan Diablo lives! he is not dead! he
was here one week ago!”

She fairly shrieked forth the words,.and
springing toward the speaker, grasped him
firmly by the arm. . .

“ I swear it, lady; he is again afloat on the
seas, having retaken his Sea Gipsg 'from the
Mexicans, who purchased her an the Red
Schooner from the Americans.” V ‘

“ Not dead, and once more in the Sea Gipsy,
dyeing the waves with blood?

“ Then, Don Dieblo, to task is not yet done,
and oncimore ihfilltghgabiarlet Schooner follfiw
your wa e, wit i 'nas, an avenging e—
mesis of the $63.”. ‘ ,

Her eyes flashed, her form was drawn u to
its full ' t, the cola: came back into her ace,
and tin rockers Mad upon her With absolute
awe, and in d silence, for they knew not
why the woman that some of their number re-
membered as theone love of Don Dieblo’s life,
had so changedas to Wish to hunt him to death.

“Men, hear me!” she cried, vehemently, and
all bowed in silence. . u _

“You live here the life of cowards, luring
vessels to ruin for a paltry booty you gain from
them, and it is unworthy of you.

“71in nd tosweep this 89“. and hunt from -
off its b no face the scourge of mankind, Don
Diablo, the Rover.

“You say he has retaken the Sea Gipsy, his
old schooner. ,

“Pledge yourselves to come with me, and I
pledge myself to place you on the deck of as
fleets. vessel as the Sea Gipsy, and to fill your
pockets withi and by the agapgourepf abungln
monst+ r, en gain par n r you 'om, , 9
United Stata.

“ Have no league but our own, and when .Don
Diablo has been strangled on the gallows, then
haul down your lawless flag, and seek to live
under the ensign of an honest nation.”

“ I follow your lead, Nita Sabinas, and justlly
do you deserve to become 8. Nemesis, and v ,
too, an avenger.” ’ 4

The speaker stepped down into the cabin, aid
was evidently the eaderof the Wreckers. .

But, with one lance into his face, Nita Sa-
binas started pa with a c of horror, for in
the handsome, stern, and as face before her,
she beheldOonrado Mar-{[11, The Leaper.

There was no mistaking his face and form—
is was Estevan, the Conspirator, the same whom
Don Diablo had forced to walk the plank for
warning her against him. ,

CHAPTER L. ,
GOLD AND REVENGE IN THE BALANCE.
Colonel Fernando Navaro sat in his elegant
unrters, plotting some new scheme to “ raise
t e windinpr in other words to get funds to pay
his mb ' gdebta. ,
e had ascended the ladder of romotion two
grades, since the flight of the sc ooner Wizard

 

 

fronrthe harbor of Vera with Don Diablo
at the'helm, and by plot an counterplot had
not only kept his head above, water ,in public
opinion, but had mans to convince the Gov-
ernment that he was a soluter necessary to its
safet and proper advancement.

If' 5 name was connected .with anythin that
was “.011! color,” the colonel-commandan e al-
ways came out untarnished. '

But money he nt like water, and his ex-
travagant mode 0 life and gambling demanded
large sums of him to keep him going. ,

ime touched him lightly, and the .evil heart
within was carefully hidden from public view,
and his face bore no trace of wickedness.

Upon'the morning when he in sin called to
the notice of the reader, Colonel, avaro was ill
a case.

He had gambled largely and lost, and had
spent considerable sums, until he had drawn
upon the Government fund in his keeping, and
pa -day had come when he must make it good.

recently a servant entered and announced n
visitor. . v

“Who is it, J aquez?” he asked.

“A lady, sefior colonel, and deeply veiled.”

“Ah! how do I look, Jaqu'a?” - ,

" A, little haggard, from late hours, sefior
colonel, but very handsome.” ,

“ Yes; I feared this brown silk dressing--
gown was not becoming; it looks well, then,
does it?”

“ Beautiful, senor.”

“ Show the lady in, Jaquez.”

The confidential servant of Colonel Navaro
disappeared, but soon retm'ned and ushered
into the room a lady of slender, graceful form,
and superb carriage, though with a somewhat
haughty toes of the head.

“ he Senor Colonel Navaro, I believe?” she
sa' in a voice of remarkable sweetness.

“ es, lady; in what can I serve you?"

“ Are we alone?” was the cautious question.

“ Well, yes.” ‘

“ Is there any doubt of it, Colonel Navarol”

The commandante got a little nervous, for his
conscience was not a good one by any means.

“ No, we are alone sefiora.”

“I believe, Colonel Navaro, that you are em-
barrassed financially l” was the bold question.

“ I ?” and the colonel started, for he was not
one to admit he ever needed money.

“Yes, senor.”

“ Who could have told you such a thing,
sefiorn’i" .

“ It matters not; but I happen to know that
you. are heavily in debt, and I have come to
show ou a way to get clear of your financial
difiicu ties.”

“ Why, what sweetangel is this that thus
comes to me with words of cheer?”

“ I am not a sweet angel, Colonel Navaro,
but oh the contrary a sinful, designing wo-

man.

“I cannot permit such slander of yourself
from lips so fair; but permit me to see beyond
that naughty vail,”'and the colonel made a step
to ward.
hi ut the voice, clear and resolute, checked

m: -

“I am not on exhibition Colonel Navaro,
brig 3,0 serve you, endinso doing I serve my-
” ,

“ Enough! your _ words and manner tell me
you have something to propose.”

“ I have.” ,

“ I am listening. sefiora.”

“ You have heard of Don Diablo lately?”

Colonel Navaro started visibly .but answered
angié‘lfil, while his face turned 9:

‘ 0 has not? After the seas had had a
rest for a while he is now at his old trade
again.” , , - .
“ He has of late committed a very bold act in
your harbor, I believe?”

“ Yes; the Government bought from the
Americans the Sea Gipsy, Don Diablo’s old
craft, and the one that captured him; they are
sister vessels, and were acting as a coast guard;
but Don Diablo, who certainly can boast of
having nine lives, came in here in a tradin
lugger, ran afoul of his old vessel, and boarde
her with nearly a hundred men, while, to make
good his escape he sent the lugger flying out of
the harbor. and pretended to be pursuing with
the schooner.” _

“A bold deed surely.”

“ A man such as he is can only do such deeds.

“In some way he learned that the castle was
being repaired on the side on which he ems ,
and this aided him of course, while the o oer
in command of D'U'loa turned What guns he
could u the lugger, behaving that to be the
one to e at of course."

“ This has caused your Government to offer a
reward of a hundred thousand pesos for the
pirate’shead, I believe?” ,

” There is an offer of that kind.”

“Will it be paid?” .

“ What! have you knowledge of Don Diablo?”

.“ I have.”

“You, a woman 5‘”

“ Why not?" _ - _

“ I see no. reason why you should not, if you
are beautiful.”

“I am beautiful.” _

With the words she threw back the dark vail,
, and Colonel Navaro fairly started at the loveli-
nem revealed' but it Was a face to fear. as well
as adore yet he saw only its beaut . '

“In the name of the Virgin, o are you
sefior‘a 3” asked the Mexican, with a stare o
zfidmiration .he could not withdraw from her

ace.

“I am a Cuban, senor colonel, whqse life Don
Diablo wholly wrecked, whose father and bro-
ther he killed and who seeks only to revenge
herself upon 'm,” _she said, in a suppressed
V0106. ‘

“But you have a name, sefiora?” ‘

“ Call me the Nemesis of the Sea, for I ply the
blue waters only for reven e.” '

“ And on know of this on Diablo?"

“ Yes. know his haunts, and I can take you
there.” .

“ Where is he sefioral” '

“Where only-I can find him, senor.”

“You will not tell?”

“ I will pilot you there, and more, I will
glive to you the reward offered for him dead or

IVE. ‘ ’

“I would rather have him killed than taken
alive.

“ I will never take him alive, safior, though he
must know who his slayer is.”

“ You do indeed hate him, sefiora?”

“ More'intensely than I once loved him, Col-
onel Navaro.”

“ And .you ofler to ive to me the reward for
the head of this man _

“ Yes, every peso."

“ If I aid you?”

“ Of course.”

“ Show me how I can!"

“Take with you a. hundred soldiers on the
schooner-of-war now in the harbor.”

IfShe has her crew.

“ You will‘ need more, for the attack must be
made both by land and water.”

“ And when?”

“ The first night of storm I will run the
schooner into the secret bay.”

“Why in a storm?” .

” On calm nights a watch is kept; when it
blows there is no need of it, for no vessel can
enter the bay without a. skilled pilot.”

“ And you are such a one?” '

fans, I know the channel the darkest
m .

‘Pardon me for looking at the matter in a
business light; but what uarantee have I that I
will get these rewards, V Don Diablo is taken?”
said the sordid omcer. _

“ You shall lead the expedition, and, as its
chief you can claim the reward, and also get
the credit of having run the pirate to his lair.

“ I am simply your pilot.”

“ Enough; and revenge is all you ask for your
services?

“Yes, senor colonel.”x

“I am content; you take your revenge, and
I will take the money.”

The woman smiled scornfull ,, but made no
replahand Colonel Navaro asks :

‘ en will {on beready!”

“ Within the our.” ’

“Where will I meet. on?” , I ‘

“I will come here; ut remember, I wi'l go
in m”ale attire, and you are alone to know my
sex. .

“As you please, sefiora; do but place that
man in my power and I will bow down and wor-
ship you.” _ '

‘ For the gold I bring you, sefiorr’.

“No, for your beauty.” » '

“ Ah senor colonel gold, though stained with
blood, far more valuable in man’s eyesthan
beau tarnished with dishonor.

“. e one can be polished to shine like the
sun, but from the other the rust Will never wear
of,” she said, sadly.

“ You speak strangely, seilora,” said the
ma‘nf impressed by her'words and manner.

. speak truly, Colonel Navaro,” and she

turned toward the door, adding:

“Within an hour Iwfll return and send in
my name; it‘ will be simply Nemesis.”

“ And 1 will send at once to the schooner and
have her gotten ready, and order out picked
men from he. barracks.

“Adios, sefl’ora." and in ite of himself
Colonel Navaro was forced to s ow the beauti-
‘ ful woman the deepest respect.

Returning to his room the Mexican’s face
fairl shone with the joy ’he felt, and he mut-
tere gleefully: .

“N’ow once more I can pay my debts, and
then an end to gambling. .

“With the écldt of capturing Don Dlahlo I
will be a lion, be romoted, Win a fortune at a
stroke, and, by he Cross! I will marry that
beautiful being even though she be the cast-off
bride of a corsair. , I '

“But there is one thing I .must do, and that
is, kill Reno ,Quesala, the pirate chief, for if I
do not he may let out_some 31eg Secrets.

“Yes he must die, if I dnve the knife to his
heart te'r he is in irons.” and the glitter in the
dark eyes showed that Colonel Fernando Na-
varo was fully equal to the duty he set himself
tkoa perform, in case Don Diablo fell not in the

y.

 

The Scarlet Schooner.

2375

 

CHAPTER LI.
rim NEMESIS AT ran nun; .

Nor many lea as from the Cuban coast
there is an islan , with bold, lock _ shores,
which looks very uninviting to one ' ing near
in a vessel. '

Sunken reefs surround it in many places,
with numerous little rock-islands rearing their
dangerous heads above the sea, and causing the
cautious sailor to ive the place a wide berth.

The seamen of t e long ago were wont to call
the laiE-fe island with its attendant smaller ones,
the “ en and Chickens,”and not inappropriate-
1 y so, as they had the appearance of a barn-yard
fowl and her little brood. -

To the one who knew the narrow, tortuous
and most dangerous channel running into the
island, a different scene would present itself,
for there was a small inlet, a creek goin into
the ver center of the rocky wal s the sur-
roundo the isle, and once here a quiet basin
was found in which a dozen vessels could lie at
atrgclzor, or be moored alongside a ledge of
s n .

Frontln on this ledge were several
(taverns t at extended back in the hills and
formed a safe retreat.

The secrets of this island were known at one
time only to the buccaneers, and very few of
these could guide a. vessel through the channel
even in calm weather. r ‘

But, having had traitors in their midst, the
island, as a rendezvous, was given up ‘by the
buccaneers, and here it was that How d De
Vigne, the son of Don Diablo, had his aunt
when he was searching the seas for his cruel fa-
ther, which the reader of “Don Diablo” will
well remember.

While Nita Sabinas, in her disguise of cabin-
boy, was on the Red Schooner, she had thor-
oug hly learned the secrets of the island and its
channels, and here it was that she was going to
take Colonel Navaro in the schooner, on the
search for the pirate chief. _

One stormy night, a week after her intemew
with Colonel Navaro in Vera Cruz, a schooner,
under close-roofed sails, was approaching the
“ Hen and Chickens "islands.

Her qualities as o. stench craft were being put
to the test, for a wild sea was running and a
gale blowing, and yet the vessol was be aving
sfilendidly, and standing up like a line—of-battle
s i . ‘

er decks were crowded with men, her guns
were flrmly lashed, and all sail not set was
closely furled, while at her helm stood but one
person, and he a parently a youth, though, sev-
eral officers, wit their cloaks drawn‘closely
around them, were standin near.

That all on board, except ngone person, were
anxious, could be seen by their restless motions,
and the eager way they strained their eyes
over the dark waters, and then turned them
upon the helmsman, who was the one that ap-
peared not to dread the night or its dangers.

“ I fear you have a hard task, Nemesis, to run '

in here tonight,” said one of the officers stand-
in near and upon whose face the binnacle
lig it falling, revealed Colonel Fernando Ne-
varo. ‘

“ No, sir, I can run in readily.”

“Better wait until mornin .

“ I am not at fault, senor.’

“ But I can see nothing, and in the day-
light—" .

“ The pirates can see us,” was the lacomc in-
terruption. ' - . _

“ True, but I would be willing to fight them,
as the schooner has eighty men, and I have a
hundred soldiers.” . I ‘

“If we did not surprise the bucceneers you
would need them all, senor.” .

“ You are the'pilot, pogo ahead; but we are
taking big chances,” and olonel Navaro turned
away to watch the white waters, for they were
covered with foam, and the dark, forbidding
pile of rock that arose ahead of them.

With the wind on her port beam the schooner
was going at a terrific rate of s d: but each
rock “ chicken " was avoided with consummate
skill by the daring, helmsman,_ and darker,
higherand more threatening the island rose be-
fore them. _

At length, it seemed that the schooner must
dash directly against the rock, and Colonel Na-
vnro and the na'val captain both spoke to the
Nemesis. I '

Instantly came the cool reply:

“If we wished to, 'seflors, we could not go
about here, as there is not room; but do you
mark how white the foam is 01! our starboard
and port bows, where the waves dash against
the rock?” ' _

“ Yes, it injust what we do not like.”

“Do you note that dead ahead you see no
white foam?”

“ True,” said both oficers.

“ Well, there is the inlet." .

The next moment the schooner, instead of
dashing herself to ieces against the side of_ the
rock, as it seemed} she would, glided Sh‘filiht
into the inlet’s mouth, and Winding aroun a
curve, was in quiet 'water. _ _

Forging ahead from the speed With'whlch
she dashed in, she went gently alongside the
ledge of rocks and came to a standstill.

 

The led was {ust the hight of the bulwark,
and rln ng on the crew made her fast. ‘ '

“ ow, senor colonel, follow me,” cold the
1161mm. in whom the reader has already re-
cognized Nita Sahinas, the Sea Nemesis.

' Fall m, men!" came the stern order from

Colonel Navaro.

_“ Ready, lads!” said the schooner’s captain to
his crew.

The next moment, with the Nemesis at their
head, and holdin a dark lantern in his hand,
the party move 01!, and entered one of the
caverns opening upon the ledge.

CHAPTER LII.
m mm- 'or' rm: mm.

Wrrn his dark-lantern sending forth a weird lore,
and causing many wild figures, the forms 0'; the
marching men, to dance‘in fantastic style u n the
rocky walls of the cavern, the Nemesis ed the
we .

'lne cavern narrowed as they went, and at times
became but a hallway, to again widen into vast di-
mensions. and open into large rotundas, from which
branched off a score of passages,m

“I hope on know your way here, Nemesis."
whispered olonel Navaro. *

;As ,well as I know the channel to the' island,
so or.’

“ Lead on, I am satisfied."

And again they moved on in silence, until Colonel
Navaro once more spoke:

" How far is it to the glen that this black hole
leads to i"

“ Some few cables‘ length from here, senor."

" And the cam of the pirates is there?"

I “Yes, senor 6 cabins are in the lam"
“And they eep no guard ‘at t e cavern en-

u

tr
i ‘1‘Why should they, senor? No vessel can come
11.
“True; lead on 1“
Once more they moved forward, until again the
colonel asked: '
“How many men did you say were on the
island?”
“ Seventy-five.“
“"And we have one hundred and seventy-five with

“ And the advantage of a surprise.“

“ True, but they will fight e devils."

“ All men will senor, for‘ heir lives; but go in
sin , le file here, for let me show you what is (in
eit or side of us.”

The Nemesis turned and held her lantern so as to
show that they were on a narrow ledge of rock run-
ning through the cavern, and as far as the we could
see down upon either side was blackness.

Colonel havaro shuddered, and said:

“How deep are these holes of Hades?" .

“ Only some twenty or thirty feet, and the are
full of water, for the tide runs in under the is and;
hal there goes my lantei‘nl ‘

The lantern fell with a crash and rolled into the
pit, striking with a splash in the water.

‘ Don‘t move for your lives, senorsl" called out
the Nemesis. and all stoodllke statues;

“ Where are you, Nemesis?" cried Colonel Na-
varo.

But no re

“ Nemesis!

Still no answer.

“ Senor Nemesis, did you hear me call?"

Dead silence followed.

“ GoodGodl has he fallen into thgplt?"

“ No, senor colonel “ said the cap a.

‘ ‘lfflxfiw know you, Captain Boldasl" asked Navaro,
re u .
 I‘iacf he done so, we would hays heard him

“True,” and again raising his voice Colonel Na-
varo shouted:

“Nemesis!”

No answer

 

came.

- They waitedvirrliusilence a moment, 'and than, in a

voice hoarse on, Colonel Fernando Na-
varosal :

“ Senor Beldas; we have been entrapped."

“ It would seem so. Colonel Navaro.

" And by a woman. " ~

" A woman, seller!"

“Yes, a woman."

“Who was she?"

" The one that ust deserted us.“

nigh“ ht aid—n i Ca taln B ld

on n wron , my 11 cc e as'

that was notug boy, but8 a woman,~an a beautifui
one too. ,
. “hei- name is NitaSablnas.”

“You surprise me sell r." '

“She has just an rlse me; but she came to me
in Vera Cruz. and to d me she acted from, revenge
against Don Diablo, and I trusted her, came here,
and here we are." '

“ And likely to stay until morning."

“Y for a move may send us to the devil."

“ the pirates may come."

" Oh, I expect them. .

“And we dare not move?" ,

“Oh no! we are likeratsina tra ."

“Worse, for they can see out, an we cannot."

" What‘s to be done, senor?” ‘

“ Stand right here until morning, or the pirates
co’i‘rlifis and shgot us." l ’ t

was y no means a p easant respect; bu
what could they do el e? D

And there they stoo like statues, amid to move
for fear of death, expecting the pirates each mo-
ment, and silently swearl and prayin by turns.

Like days seemed the ours, as t ey dragged
away, and at times the men believed that day had
come, and that darkness ever rested in the cavern.

But at last there was a dim gray light visible. and
watching it eagerl all saw it ncrease, until at last
the faces of eac other became visible and all
could see their way, and then discovered how dau-
gerous had been their position.

' The glass of the broken lantern lay at Colonel
Navaro 5 feet but the holder of it was no.

Following the track of the greatest llg t. they soon
came out nto a small glen, and gazed into each
other’s haggard faces.

 

Before them wu a small valley, only a con la. of
fires in size, and fully a dosen rude cabins memoir

ew. ‘ ~ , .. .

Within these cabins not a soul was visible. though
itlwas evident that they had been very lately occu-

ed . .

p “ Back to the schooner!" shouted Colonel Na-
varo, and back through the cavern they soon wond-
ed their way, and in ten minutes cane out upon the
i that overlooked the basin.

‘ he schooner is gone l"

The cry broke from every lip, and every fa‘ce grew
black with ssion.

But net the ledge lay a palaces of some
seventy ions‘ burden, and toward this Colonel Na-
varc and the'others went. _

There was not a soul on board, and pinned to the

tiller was a piece of r. g
Seizing it, Colone avaro read aloud ,what was
written h

era in a line, feminine hand.
it was as follows: ~‘

“Mmmm.
“ Comma. mmno Navarro: .

“ Sufism—Pardon me for putting you to any in-
convenience, but as I desired a craft exactly like the
one which Don Diablo, the pirate, so clever y robbed
your Government of, and had not the time to have

_ such a. one built, I took the liberty of borrow ng the

beautiful vessel in whose cabin I now
these lines. - .

“I sa barrow , , for! intend to return it, or fail-
ing to 0 so, its v us to the Government. ..

“ Not to desert you fuliy, after my plot to get poa-
session of the schooner, leave you a stench, swittr
sailing polacca, and she is provisioned for a month,
so you will not sufler.

“As lam unable to leave you a pilot, I
to say that you can onl depart from this
a calm day. when the do is running out.

“Then putyour boats ahead and tow out, setting
no sail and heading directly for the fifth ‘c-Mchon
from the east: when you round that. with your
helm aport. head for the ninth chicken and leave it
on your starboard. when you will be in clear water.

“ With regret at having deprived Ca taln Bald“,
whom I esteem as a gentlemen and rave omcer
and with no sympathy for you, whom I despise,
remain, Colone Fernando Navaro‘s foe, v

- . “Tan Nmas or m Sn."

W you

leave
d on

 

CHAPTER mu.
m scanner scnoonn.
I'r would be im ssible to portray with won‘lakor
the pen, the wild ry of Colonel Navaro and his ol-

ldwgrs after reading the letter left by the Nemesis
o t e a. ‘

The officers swore, the men growled, and genuine
anger was felt, and oaths of revenge against the wo-
man were upon every lip.

Remembering the. he had but com romised his
debts for ashort time and upon his ream that the
crash would come, il’ be had not money, Colonel
Navaro was nearly beside himself, and seemed upon
the verge of madness. -

As the wind was blowing a gale they dared not
run out in the polacca. so had to content themselvea
with remainin .

But the a day and the next the weather-was
still had, and not until the fifth after their arrival
did they dare venture out.

Then followi the instructions given bythe Ne.
inesis, they safe y gained dee water.

The polacca was a good r they foun but she
was small. and the were very uncomforts is from
the crowd on . -

Then, to add‘ to their discomfort. a hurricane
arose, and they were blown into the Caribbean sea,
and from thence around the peninsula of Yucatan
had unceaslng headwlnds. -

at last fair weather set in; but it seemed that 8a-
tan still (1 their wake, as one night a vessel was
seenin the stance, which at once gave chase.

The laces was put back on her course, and fled
under sail: but the stranger gained Mahmoud
at dawn was not a mile distant. ,

Then. with the full' light shin! upon her, all on
boar? tbs lacca 1100:8315“; one other in amne-
men 8D en aga ll a range V0330].

- $311“ c}: it men‘s," up a ,
s was e ques iqn upon ev m .9 m.
der, for the strange «as “an? '

Itwas a schooner beautiful model, the
canvr of a racing yacht. armed, and , c a

w . v \

fit frOm bull to topmast she was a bright starlet.

Nearer and nearer she came to the pollen,
every inch of canvas was set. and the sails were wet
to make them draw better. '
wgfidére alarm those on the polaccawm,, ed and

e .

They wore armed onulfi with their ' musket:
and outlasses. and co hope to 0 or no resistance
to the heavy guns of the stranger, though if board-
ed. they knew there were enough of them to render
a account of themselves. - -

As the Scarlet Schooner drew nearer all on board
the polacca, even to Colonel Navaro and Captain
Beldas, began to feel a superstitious dread of her.

The could see ‘that she was alrr 0st in their wake,
and ough only her lower set, was coming
along at a pace that was remarkable, for the polacca
was fast and sailing well. .

Upon her decks her mbn were visible at her guns,
and all on board the red craft seemed ready for ac-

on.

Nearer and nearer she came until only a few hun-
dred feet divided the two vessels. ’ .

Yet no notice whatever bad she taken of the po-
lacca, other than to follow her, and a cable‘s length
to leeward.

Nearer and nearer until the low hul long, gaunt
and as red as blood, was distinctly visib e. ‘

Her ports were open, and from them ded
guns, and they also were of the same sea-I t hue as
were also the. carriages, the stacks of iron balls piled
up on each side the ports, the deck and inside 0 the
bulwarks.

The masts were long, raking and painted a lie
red as were also the spars, w lie the sails to
back the sunlight from the same scarlet hue.

Nor was this all, {or crimson was the tinge n
everything, even to the wheel, at which stood o
helmsmen.

But, strangest of all was the crew. far they were

28

not only dressed in scarlet suits, but their costume

was t of a mil“. to. and standing at the guns
werelghat appeared to be a band of devils.
Upon the quarter-deck were three ofiioarshho
judge from their on there. and that they
go tassels han ng from the red horns on each
ternt pig. and wore sashes of gold thread. as insignias
0 ran .
all these thingsevery man on board the polacca
took in with scared ey and came to the conclu-
sion that Satan had sail in his war-ship from the
burning lakes of Hades, and had fitten lost on an
can.th sea in his cruise for lost so .
“Look at her fiagl" whispered Captain Beldas to
ColonelNavaro.
It was flauulinfi out free with the breeze. and was
a black field, wit a redgallows. from which droo
a scarlet rope. with noose. hanging ready for a u-

man . .
“ Now the at the fo " n whis red
m Bad“ fins re. seal pe Cap—

n .

it was ablue field, representing the waves of the
sea. and in the center was a long. slender red ser-
pent, with fiery eyes and head erect. represented as
glidi over the waves.

“ t tthed Dukite.""sald Colonel Navaro. re-
ferringtotheredse tontheiiag.

"Yes.'_' answered ptain Beldas and in silence
meigc‘lman withhis arms in his bands, they watched
the ‘let Schooner glide b . ,

Nearer and nearer. unti .abeam. then forging
ahead. and yet making no sign that they saw the

.Lt last she lded by and all drew a long breath,
for Ighcy saw the Scarlet Schooner meant them
no arm.

“ Put her about, uartermaster. and head for Vera
Ci'uz."-oried Ca tgn Beldas, impressed with what

he had seen, an the pclacoa was once more headed.

for home. and dropped anchor without further ad-
venture.

With fear and trembling, Colonel Navaro went to
repost all that had occurred. and though it was mid-
night. was ushered into the presence of his com-

mender.

In silence the Governor listened to the stery. and
then said, quietly: .

“ Many sailors have reported seeing the some
strange craft. Colonel Navaro, and the superstitious
call her a phantom, a myth; but there is One thing
that i not a in th. and that is your conduct during
the ears 'you ve been here, a trusted officer.”

. ,. or .

“ Hold. siri no anger. after the career you have
ued of wholesale robbery. gambling. deviltry.
murder and trickery. “
But. senor commandante. hear—"

“‘ Not one word, air. for already have your papers
been overhauled, your deedsdiscovered. and on
are banished for life toacell in the Castle of an
Juan d’Uioa and. Fernando Navaro, he who enters
there bids farewell to hope." I.

With a. groan the gui ty and wicked man sunk
down in a chair. murmur-ing:

“The Nemesis has ruined me, too, for hadl not
gone s‘way. my deeds would never have been

’nown. ‘

Stepping up to the wretched man. the comman-
dante tore from his uniform his badges of rank. and
Vsaidrfitefiilnyi iro d hi to th Life Cell

" t 11 us, an carry in e '
of the Castle!”

One hour after Fernando Navaro had forever bid-
den farewell to hope; but, though severe. his pun-
ishment for his numerous crimes was Just. _

CHAPTER LIV.
a-r us'r.

A mass hurricane was sweeping over the Carib-
bean driving hue walls of water beige it. and
ward the southern coast of Cu
In the midsth the wildscenea vessel was drlvi

under bare poles at a pace that was fearfu
. to send her headlong beneath the
waves. ’

Ewes ansrmcdschooner. astflm avesselasany
seamen would car ) to look upon, wellarmed, every-
thing about her ship-shaipe, yet manned with as sav-
’age a crew of human be ugs as ever swept over blue
meander canvas. -

Crouching down under the bulwarks for shelter.
Wmtbamuhraflinesorguii- gs
for qty they were a wild. rec'kless se of men.

be under the command of the tall, dark-

faoed, sterng cruel-eyed man who near the
helm-mus the wheel.
'ibauuswssDon Disbio. the'rerrorof the Seas,
who. once more afloat in a much and fleet craft.
had spread more fear than ever before on land and
We"  all.qu “mi”
comes e an or
hiscommsndfeared him as theydidSatan himself.

“ Well. senorcaptain I think she hasgone dow "

ssldaa . who been leaning over the -

rail. Wm astern over e wind-lashed

waters.

lemme Devil. my master, grant you do not lie, Cato
na‘ v

“I sayso,too. senor chief. for I am. I confess.
getting most nervous at the way this Scarlet Phan-
tom has dogged ourwake for months.‘ answered
the lieutenant addressed as Catalena by Don Diablo.

" If bewould only fight us, I would not care; but
to continually hang on our wake. until we turn upon
him and then sail away. keepin Just out of range. I
cone-“makes mefeelsst oughIwasbeing
haunted for all the red deeds I had ever done."

" I “ added Catalena. in a low tone not
intended or b chief’s ear “the blood you ve
caused to flow would fioat the schooner, and paint
her crimson. too," and, still gazing at his chief. he
continued:

" Don Diablo has broken more in the past few
months than in years before.

' The Red Dnldte is a remarkable serpent seen
only in the South seas; it is said to have the faculty
of reason. is really beautiful, with its long.
slender scarlet body. and bright eyes, but as venom-
ous us an adder.

The natives sax that two always go together. and
up” h killed. t e other follows his slayer day and
night, tracking him like a bloodhound. until he
buries his fangs in his flesh—Tax Amos.

 

” The Scarlet Schooner.

 

 

“ His face seems haggard now. and always cru
while his eyes have lost the tendmess he once cou
assume at will.

“ Then his hair is white on the tempfisand not
t is be forty-five; I verily believe it is Scarlet
mxlxilooner. so constantly dogging him. that is killing
“ fill. the world will rejoice when he goes. that is

"Catalenal"

“ Senor!"

“I believe the Scarlet Schooner has gone under.
forshe was lying broadside to. when the hurricane
struck her. and we nearly were lost though we met
her with our bows on." I .

" It looks so. sailor chief."

“if she lives out this blow I will believe her com-
mander is the devil. its crew demons. and give up
piracy and turn re."

“ I confess I would like to give up this red life, soil-
or, for I have laid aside enough of my earnin "

“ Your honest earnings,“ sneered Don Diablo.

“Yes, sefior. from my honest earnings. I have laid
aside enoufito support me.”

. “fitnever ve, for not a peso have I outside of this
era . .

“ I have fought from love of excitement. robbed
for more pastime. ‘ ed from sheer en oyment in
taking life. and th ugh I hate stolen in one I am
not worth enough to ive the to pray my soul
out of urgatory— rest i see there! '

“ It the Scarlet Scer," cried Catalena. glanc-
ing astern, when. a long way back, was seen a red
craft, the very counterpart of the pirate vessel, ex-
cept in color. coming on before the gala under her
storm-sails only.

“And he has his red Jails set. while we can hardly
live under bare poles. " said Catalena.

“ Yes, but he can live anywhere, for, Catalena.

t craft is a scarlet phantom."

truck by the tone of his chief’s voice. the buccu-
neer lieutenant turned to look at him. and was
startled at the change he saw there.

The face was livid. the 1i 5 blue and trembling. the
eyes wild and staring. an the whole face indicative
of fearful terror, a terror that is awful to behold in
a man’s face. .

“Senor chief. you are not well: go into the cabin
and take a drink of brandy." said the lieutenant.

“ I will. Catalena. for I am not well; but see. that

pingvflav .
the man, u iteous accents.
The started lieutenant sprung to his side and

cried:

“ Control yourself, Don Diablo, for the Scarlet
Schooner is. crowding on sail to attack us, for we
have never had her this near before."

With a wild cry Don Diablo sprung toward the
cabin and disappeared down the compsnionway.

And there atalena found him. crouching on his
knees in the corner his teeth chattering to ether.
his sunken e es rolling wildly, and his who e atti-
tude and act ons those of a man gone mad.

In Vain he told him that the storm had abated. and
that the schooner was making fieet time; his chief
013K chatted on in a rambling way.

en he told him that the Scarlet Schooner was
rushing on to attack them. , ,

“Keep it cil’l Keep it 03, for I dare not meet a
spirit crew,“ yelled t e chief. in agony.

“ Hark! senor. we are firing upon the stranger.
Come on deck and fight it out. for she also fires, as

you hear."
, “No, no deI ht men but not devils. the spirits
‘of those Ihave sin n. '1: do me g Cataleua."

In de air the lieutenant rushed‘ on deck to find
the Scar et Schooner not half a mile away. and look-
ing grandly beautiful, yet terrible as she came on
under clouds of crimson canvas. and sending from
her lgun-muzzles at every flash puffs of bloodvred
smo e. - ~

The crew of the corsair were at their guns; but
their allid faces showed the terror they felt and
‘that t ey believed they were not going to me hu-
man beings in combat, for in those _ds s superstition
had a. strong hold even upon the min of the intel-

liggit masses.
, ith a bold front Catalena'determined to meet
 fdversary , and he ordered the gunners to open

e y.

But his shots 'fiew wide. while the red shot of the
Scarlet Schooner went crashifi through'his bul-
warks. and stainin his decks thacurrent of the
same crimson hue t thegclvere.

Nearer and nearer the rlet Phantom, as the
pirates now called her. came. and as the sea had
now run down. and only a seven-knot breeze was
blowing. it was evident that her crew intended to

Nearer and nearer.- until the crew. dressed like
red devils. stood crowding in the bows to board, for
the Scarlet Schooner was sailing directly in the cor-

sair’s wake.

Presen a rattlingof chains, a of red grnp~
nels. and t e Scarlet chooser was ashed to the cor-
sair. and the red forms were pouring over her bows
to the attack. .

Cries of mercy came from the corsairs, and it was
indeed an ass victory. for the outlaws seemed be-
numbed with greed, and their brave lieuteth was
cut down while in vain striving to hold his deck.

"Bold! kill no man who does not resist," cried a
ringing clear voice, and at once every weapon was

owere .

“ Now where is your chief. Don Diablo i" asked
the: same speaker. who was dressed in a suit of
crimson velvet.

And one glance into that face. and upon that beau-
tiful, slender form. was sumcient to recognize Nita
Sabinas. the Nemesis of the Sea.

" He retreated to the cabin before the combat,
and would not lead us." said a pirate.‘ in answer to
her ne'stion.

" on Diablo a coward? No, no. that cannot be.“
said the Nemesis.

“He feared your vessel was a phantom."

“Ah! then at last his lion heart is crushed. and I
have gained my revenge. Come. Senor Conrado.
let us seek this chief.” .

Conrado El Saltador, who was the first emcer of
the Nemesis at once followed her to the cabin. and
thigh stood dumb with horror at what they beheld

F6.

 

 

phantom pursues moi see! its red wings are flap- 1
ug over me—save me, Catalonia!" cried ‘.

Crouchin in the earner. his face destblike in hue
his eyes re 5. his hair whitened in the hour that
had passed.nn great beads of sweat ammo rom
his brow. was the once magnificent Don . the
dreaded pirate chief.

He turned his sunken eyesnpon the intruders. and
cried in a voice that was piteonsly pleading:

"8 re me. on me. ye souls that I have
slain I am a coward now. and I beg you to go
away and leave me alone—~no. not alone, or I shall
go mad. for my brain is on fire. my heart is burning
upx and i suffer. oh. so much."

‘ Don Diablo, look on mel"

“Good God! are you dead. for (you are Nita. my
wife. Yes. you are dead. but I id not kill you—
yefl.l must. have done so. for you are omen the
returned spirits that I have slain. Yes. I kllle you
by breakin your heart; but] loved you. Nita. and
you are all ever did love.

“Bnokl Don t come near me. or I shall go mad,
my brain is so hot.

‘See. I have a band of red-hot iron around it—
oh! do not thrust that or in my heart—let it go!
take off your hands. ye undreds of red phantoms
that [have slain, and do not all clutch the dagger's
but together, for the blade is in my heart."

“ Don Diablo. I am avenged. for at last your heart
is broken. and your crimes have driven you mad.
Now. seeing you the pitiable object you have be-
come. I can forgive you your sin toward me."

Nita Snbinas moved. as she s eke. toward the
chief; but with a shriek of terror e bounded to his

‘ feet, and dashing out of the companionw'ay, sprung

into the sea, his mad crlm shut 01! by the gurgling
waters as he sunk‘down forever ben them.

Like a statue stood the Nemesis. her face as white
as marble, until Conrado Estevan stepped toward
her and said:

“Come. Nita, the end is accomplished; let us go
from here.“ ‘

“’Yes, lei: us 0 from here," she answered, me-
chanics y. and Saltadcr ordered sail set on the

two ve is, and. just as night fell u n the
they glided away over the dark waters},0 sea,
CHAPTER LV.
coscwsxou.

Om: momin . some ten days after the death of
Don Diablo. cra Cruz was enveloped in a dense
fog, which also shut out from view the gloomy old
fortress known as tho (‘astle of San Juan d'Uloa.

When the fog lifted from the waters the sentinel
on the buttiements of the castle raised an alarm at
beholding two vessels lying at anchor within musket
range.

One of these vessels was red from keel to truck.
and the other. its counte art in build. rig and
armament, was black. and s owed signs of having
been in severe action. '

Upon the decks of either vessel not a human be-
ing was visible; but when the fguard-boat put oil'
to them they found in the hold 0 the crimson craft
three-score prisoners in irons.

In the cabin, on the table. was a letter addressed
to “Colonel Navnro. a life prisoner in the Castle of
San Juan d‘Uloa." .

Opening this the officer of the guard-boat read as
follows:

“According to' miylpromise I return to your Gov-
ernment the vesse borrowed, and which served
me well as the Scarlet Schooner.

“Also, I return her sister-craft taken from Don
Diablo, the pirate. and his crew in irons. the hated
chief having be mad, and ended his own hie. a
very fitting t ng for on to do to escape from
haunting memories. a Nnussrs or run Sm."

Some ears. kind reader after the capture of
Don Dis 10 by the Scarlet Schooner, an American
vessel-ofst ran into a small bay on the southern
shores of Cuba and dropped unci or, as if to repair
damages for there was evidence that she had been
severely handled by a tornado.

The boy where she anchored is a familiar one. for
it lies in front of the Villa del Morida, theoid home
of Nita Sabin-s. ' -

'But though ruin once seized the place with rude
touch, after the death of its master and his heir, it
had again put on the same beautiful look as in the
olden time.

And lured by its beautie the young ca in of the
vessel Went ashore. and was erlng rough the
shady paths cams suddenly upon an orange bower
inwhich aat'several persons, a darkvfsced gentle-
man. a beautiful lady and two children.

They arose at seeing him. not having from their
bower seen the cruiser come into the bay. and he
cite a logies at his inmision. which the sellers
interrup' by staying: '

“ Are you not ptan Guy Stsnhope. seller, of the
American navy!"

“ Yes. sailors." was the answer in perfect Span-

“ I am glad to again meet you. seflor, for we have
met before. I

“ am Nita Sablnss that was. but nowI am the
Senora Estevan, and this I! my husband Don Con-
rado Marial Estevan. and these are my children."

It was a pleasant meetin between the handsome
yous captain and the uban sellers. but the

bong ts of each ran back to the bitter past.

But Captain Stanhope became the est of Don
Estevan and his still beautiful wife, an dais
at the pleasant home;.but then. and a rward. e
could not forget the shadow that hung over it, and
shut out perfect happiness irre fmm its
hearthslone. r

 

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106 Tim GREAT ‘HOGGARTY'DHMOND. Th ' ersy:
106 FROM DREAMS To WAMING. By E. L. Linton.
107 Poon ZEPH. By F. W. Robinson.
108 THE SAD FORTUNss on THE an. AMOS BAR-
TON. By George Elliot.
109 BREAD-AND-CEIESE AND KISSES. By B. L.
Ferjeon. r A
110 Tax: WA
111 THE B
1193 A HERO. Miss Muloc .
113 PAUL AND IRGINIA. From the French of
Bemardin 'de St. Pierre. - "
114 Turn IN TRAIrAIGAaJs BAY. _ By Walter
Besant and James RIce.
 fins MAIDB OI'HKILLEENA. William Bigck.
. em y- enry  .- .
117 THE WArsIDs CROSS. p . E. A. M an.
118 THE VICAR or WAKEFIELD. Oliver GO smith.
119 MAUI) MORAN. By Annie Thomas.
120 THADDEDB or WARSAW. By Miss Jane Porter
121 THE KING OF, NO-LAND. By B.L._Fsrjeon.

s

122 LOan. m'WIDDWEn. By'W. M. Thackeray.

1213 AN ISLAND PEARL. By B. L. Fnrjeon.
134 CowstN PHILLXS.

126 hint or. THE Sm'Gn or GRENADA. By Ed.
ward Bulwer (Lord Lytton.)

128 WHEN THE Sam COMES HOME, 3 wuter
Besantand James Rice. y '

127 ONE ONTIIE FAMILY. By James Payn. _
118 TR: BIRT‘ERIGHT. By Mrs. Gore. '
129 Tim VILLAGE ON THE CLIFF.“ Mrs. Thack-
eray. Ready May2<l,, ' By
180 THE BELLS or PENRAVEN. B. . III-Ron
‘ “gay 9th.
131 THE Sonnow or A SECRET. By the author of
“Nora’s Love." Ready May 10th. ' '
' A new issue every week.
Tan WAmLm LIBRARY is for sale 11 all
Newsdealers. five cents per may, or sent/by

mail on receiptorsigr cents -  
BEADLE AND ADAMS. Publishers. ‘
98 William street. New York.

 

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l Deadwood Dick, um Pam: or no: Row

B; Edward L. Wheeler. -
2 ellowstoneJack. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.
3 Kansas 'King; or' Tm: RED RIGHT HAND.
B 13mm Bill tHon. Wm. F. Cody).
4 ’fiie WI d-Horse Hunters.
Mayne Reid and Captain Frederick Whittaker.
5 Vagabond Joe, was YOUNG \VANDERXNU Jaw.
By Oll.Coomes. Double Number 10cm.
6 Bill Biddon Trapper . By E. S. Ellis.
‘7 The Flying
CAST. 'By CO]. Prentiss Ingralnun.
S Seth Jones. B Edwurd S. Ellis.
9 Adventures 01 Baron l‘Iunt-hausen.
0 Nut Todd. By E. S. Ellis.
The Two Detectives. B A.W. Aiken.
Gulliver’s Travels. By Ilesm Swift.
The Dumb Spy. By 011 Ooomes.
~ A luddin; or. l‘na \VONDERB'UL LAlil‘.
' The Scar-Fat. Uy Captain Fred. Whittaker.
Robinson Crusoe. (27'Iiiustrations.)
7 Ralph "0v Tunlior BUCCANEER; or. Tun
FUGITIVE Y.wI . By Col. Prentiss Ir¥rahann
18 Sindhud the .Snilor.’ His Seven oyoges.
19 The Phantom Spy. By Buffalo Bill.
20 The Double Daggers. By E. L, Wheeler.
21 The Frontier Angel. By Edward S. Llhs.
22 The Soil Serpent; or. Tm: Bov RonINsoN
Carson. By Juan Lewis.
23 Nick 0’ the Night. By T. C. Hnrbaugh.
24 Dlnlnond Dirk. By Colonell’. Ingmliam.
2.5 The 150;!(‘antulln ByRo erSturhuck.
26 (tloveu 001, was BUFFALO ruON; or, Tm:
Bonner. Vtrvnmns. Brlddwurd L. Wheeler.
27 Antelopo Abe, 'rmr. Boy Gown. Oil Ooomes
28 Bullith Ben, THE PRINCE as THE Prs'rOL;
or, Dmnwooo DICK IN DIquIsn. E. L. ‘Yhe‘eler.
20 The Dumb Page. 3 Capt. F. Whittaker.
30 Rom-lug Ralph Roe wood, “rm: BECK-
Ius RANGER. By Early St. Gaol re.
31 Keen-Knife, PRINCE or THE Amrss. By
Oli Coomes. '
32 Bob Woolf, m BORDER; RU’FFIAN' or. Tax
GIRL DEAD-SHOT. By Edward L. Wheeler.

33 The Ocean Bloodhound. .S. W. Pierce.
31 Oregon 801' or. NICK WIIIrrms‘ Boll Sm!
By Ca t. .I. r. 6. Adams. .

35 Wii Iyun, THE BOY CLAUDE DYWAL' or, THE

BROTHEHHOOD '01- Du'm. liyEd. L. Wheeler.

36 The 'Bog Clown . By rank S. Film.
37 The I" don Lodge. By T.‘C. Harbaugh.
38 Ned Wylde, THE BOY Scour. By, Tom Judo
39 Death-Face, THE DETECTIVE. By Wheeler.
~10 Roving Ben. By J. J. Marshall.
1] Lasso Jot-k. ByOll Coomes. '
42 The Phantonl lil‘iner. B E. L. Wheeler.
48 Dick Darling, was PONY ss RIDER.
4 1  Ca itFralifnikWhIistt’sgen  <9 r v

» att g u e arry . George.

’ "  m

s-I—l-n-sn-d-I-II-
GGN-WIGII‘

«is 01414 alunc‘h - WTOR;
or WILD EDNA,1’HE InLBsmm. .E. L.Wheeler.

46 Glass Eye, mas-GREAT snow or, Tfllv'WEST.

1133' Capt. J. EC. Adams. .V ,.

47 ightln‘mle N‘at. By T. C. Banning.

48‘ Black JFohn, m ROAD-Amm. By- dger.

49 ,Omnha Oil. By Edward L. Wheeler.

50 Burt Bunker, ms TRAPPER. C. E. Lasalle.

l The Do duties. :By Archie C. irons.

‘ The Wh te Bufl'ulo. By C. E. "Lasalle.

Jim Bludlme, Jr., THE BOY I’HENIX; or,

meran 10 Din-m. By Edward L. Wheeler.

. -Ned Hazel. By Ca. 1). J. F. 0. Adams.

' Deadly-Eye, 'rrnc NKNOWN Scoxrr' or, Tan

BRANDED Bno'rnnanoon. By Buffalo Bill. .

Nick \V‘hflfles’ Pet. Capt. J. F. 0. Adams.

Deadwood Dick’s Eagles. By Wheeler.

The Border Ki . ByOliOoomes.

Old Hickory. «B‘y urr St. George.

60 The White n‘ an. .apt. J. F. . Adams.

6] Huckhorn ill. By Edward L. Wheeler.

62 The Shado nip. " (his? Ingraham.

 flighe  EgotgeEhng . W. J. Hamilton.

on so . . . exhaugh. .

65 Hurr c‘ane Bill¥ By Jos. E. Badger, Jr

66 single ~Hand. W. J. Hamilton.

67 Patent-leather oe. By S. Warne.

68 Border Robin Hood. % uflalo Bill.

69 Gold Rifle. BynEdwar L. ,, eeler.

70 Old Zip’s Cob . By apt.‘.1. l‘. C.-Adams

71 Delaware Dick. ByOllCoom s.

72 Mad Tom Western. By W. .Hamilton.

\J‘ OWI U!
h

Quit W

OVGIO‘D! OI
5w4$

73 Deadwood Dick on Deck; or. CALAMITY

J ANE, our. HEROINE or Wuoor-Ur. By Wheeler.
74 Hawk-eye Harry. By 011 Coom . ,
75 The Boy Duelist. By Col. P. 111% am.
76 Abe Colt, THE CROW‘KILLER. By A. . Aiken.
77 Corduro Charlie, ms BOY Buvo; or.
Dmnwoon BIOK'B LAST AM. By E. L. Wheeler.
78 BI ue Dick. By Captain Mayne Reid.
79 Sol Ginger, Gun-r 'IRAPPlim. By A.W. Aiken.

80 Rosebud Rob; or Nmor'rrNab, mEKmon'r

or mGtrmn. ByaEdwu-d L. Wheel

er.
81 Li htning Jo. By Captain J. F. 0. Adams.

82 K t Hareioot.
83 80110, the Boy
4 Idyl
Buc
Dalid flock. By aldo‘Browne.

The and Pirates. By Capt. Mayne Reid.

By T. C. Hal-ban h.
Ranger. B 0
the Girl Miner. By

4531

S
8
8
8
8

89 l i d Jni By Branch 11 m
s an m'. e mg.
90 The Dread Rider. B gWaldoBrowne.

91 The Captain oi'the C uh; or, Tm: YOUNG
ridge Hemyng.

Rrvu. Ammxs.
92 Canada Chet.
3The Ho Miners.

9
94 Midn t Jack
THEM By

95 The Rival Rovers.

y Brsoeb
By Edward L. Wheeler.
By Edward 8. Ellis.
was Rom-Aom;
'1‘. C.‘Ha.rbangh.

l 96 Watch-Eye. m SHADOW. By E. L. Wheeler.
a1 .
‘By Captain

unkee; or, T1!!! OCEAN OUT-

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Uoomes.
. L. Wheeler.
Bucknm. Hg Q'lépt. J. F. 0. Adams.

8 Photo re 11 Phil, TEE Boy SLEU'l'l-‘i; or.
at. By E. LWheeler.

or,

 

Lieut. Col. Hazeltine.

97 The Outlaw Brothers. By J.'J. M l
98 Robin Hood, m Owns ML; 0 , Tm:
Mm? Man or Gasman». Prof. Glider-sleeve.
99 The Tiger oi' Taos. By G. Waldo Browne.
100 Deadwood Dick in Leulville; or, A
STRANGE S'rxwxa ron Linton. B Wheeler.
101 Jack Hnrkuway in New ork. By
Bracebridge Hemyng. ' - .
102 Dick Dead-Eye. By COLCI/‘IWhIm.
1 03 The Lion of the Sea. By 0 . Della Sara.
lo-i Deadwood Dick’s Devil-e. Wheeler.
05 Old Rube, ms Henna. Ca t. . Holmes.
()6 Old Frosty, memos. By .C. Harbatigh.
07 One-Eyed Sim. ByJamesL. Bowen.
08 During Davgj By Barr St.(ieorge.-
09 Deadwood ck as etective. By
Edward L. Wheeler.
0 The. Block Steed ol‘ the Prairies. A
TlIrIihn Bto of Texan Adventure. By Bowen.
1 The .‘en- evil. By COLP Ingrohem.
2 The Mad Hunter. 'By Burton State.
3 Jack Hoyle, THE YOUNG Smou'ron; or,
T3): ROAD TO FQBTUNE. By Ed. L. Wheeler.
4 The Black Schooner. Roger Btu-buck.
The Mad Miner. By G. Waldo Browne.
The Hussur Ca Itain. 001. P. Ingmham.
Gilt-Ed ed Dic , 'ms SPORT Drrso'rrvw;
or. Tm: l AD—Aoms DAIvom‘m. Wheeler.
Will Somers. rim Boy vs. Morris.
Mush-n: Sum. By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.
The Branded Hand. B Frank Demont.
('innamon Chip, 'ms nu. Srorrr; or,
Tm: GOLDEN IDOL or Mr. Ross. Fd. L.W'heclcr.
Phil Hardy, 'ruE Boss BOY. By 0. Morris.
Kiowa Charley, was Wm Musnsamn.
13y T. C. llarbnugh. . a ,
' ippyyma Taxm. By George Gleason.
2 Bonanza Bill, MINER. ByEd. L. Wheeler.
2 Pica une Pete. B‘yCharles Morris.‘
.37 “Ill am», Bossor'mn Roan. 3g Dur'nont.
2s The Young Privateer. ByH. avemlish.
29 Deadwood “Dick’s Double.’By Wheeler.
0 Detective Dick. By Ghni-les Morris.
1 The Golden ’Iand. By Geo. W. Browne.
32 The Hunted Hunter. 'By Ed. 8. Ellis.
33 Boss 8013,11“. KING.O»~. T‘Bl‘: Boo'rnucks:
3
3

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2
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2
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3
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or, Tar. PAWNBROKEI‘L‘B PLOT. _EJ. L. Wheeler.
4 Sure Shot fieth, my: Boy Rummm; 6p Tm:
YOUNG Pnru ms or ms: NORTH. Bv 011000111924,
5 Ca tuin IPsnl,"rn‘ whoonszmim:
or, m: BOY Srr or m MOVN'I'Ams'. ‘By Ulfll‘fi.
6 Night-Hawk Kit. ByJos.~1:‘.. Badger, Jr.
7 The Henge“ Halld. Capt. Mayne R4 id.
8 Blonde ill; or, Dmnwoon Dtcx‘s Hons
Bass. B Edward L. Wheeler. ' ;
39 Judge yttch, Jr'.‘ B '1’. C. Harlan h.
40.81ne Blazes; or Tan: 0‘ DAY £015
or v BAR.  . 
41 our _

2mm .
42 Honk” ‘ll' . ,al’sr
TECTIVE. By Charles: orris. ' .-
3 Dost-Fen Emu... .0! We? . .
“a ,‘ Lance, ms  yBsdger.
p . p a n, . erre w- on Diamo-
rivs; oansBos'g' s‘Jog. B ‘ reeler.
6 s yer star THE, KNIGHT.  yCoomes.
'7’ r l’ Wild’flre,‘ m Taomvoamo; Or,
Tar. WINNING BAND.- B Charles Morris.
8 sh- rp 8am. By J. exandé'rPatien
' 9 A Game,ol .Goldt- or, waoon Dion‘s
Bro shuns. B Edward L. Wheeler. '
0 Lance an asso. Bv 9apt.F.Whi,ttaker.
1 Panther Paul, Tim Plums: Pm'i'll' or,
DAlN'i'Y LANCE m m Rescue- J. E. ‘ er.
2 Black Bess, Wm'anm‘s mm; or.
WINNING Amman Oops. By Charles Morris.
Eagle Kit, m BOYDIMON. B Oil Ooomes.
The. Sword Hunter's.  Whittaker.
Gold Trigger maroon ,C.Hsrbaugh.
D wood.“ ck of Deadimmdg or,
Tin: Promo Paar. .Edwmli. Wheeler.
7 Mike Merry, um anon Panes Bov;or,
Tm; mom-Hansor Puma-nan. Morris.
8 Dane Frank ort‘olorndo. BuflaloBill.
9 The lost Captain. By Whittaker.
0 The Black Giant. ByJ. Eugen, Jr.
1 Neg! YBol‘k Nell ma Bari-36% Dmm;
,or. w ’s om. .LWbeeler.
2 Will Wil fire in 'the \V‘Xods. Morris.
3 Little Texas, m YOUNG Ens-rustle. A
Tale of Texan Prairies. ‘ By 011 (Romeo.
4 Dandy Rock’s Pledge. By‘ W. Brewne.
5 Billy Baggage, m Ransom Box; or.
RUN we Earn. By Chsrles Morris.
6 Hickory Herr . By Barry St. George.
7 Asa Scott,Tm WON! Boy. By Willett.
8 Deadly Dash. ‘_ es. .Badger,Jr.
9 Tornado Tom. T.'C. ugh.
A Trump ()nrd; or, Wm. Whom WINS
AND Loans. ByCharles Morris. .. \,
Th “iv: Drill: slay Bypfimm-aym'staco
un er ' om. .
Dandy Rock’s Rival. :By .W.Brov‘v‘§g.
Bob Beckett, THE BOY DODGER. Bv Morris.
('nptnin Arizona. , By Phili S.Warne.
The Boy Runaway or. BUWBER
ormBiv. Lieut. H. D. erry . . .
Nobkaick of Nevada. is. L. Wheeler.
Old litary. By Oil Coomes. '
Bob Beckett. um BANK Run-um. Morris.
0 Thesen Trailer; or AVOw Wme
By Lieut. H. D. Perry. U.  N. ' '

  

II-i- I‘m;-

Vim?!

019N119!
Quill-W

dam m

til-lull- I'll-Inhibits! Hull‘s-lb! I-II-l I-ll‘ ill-IIIII-l s-t til-Ith h-l l-II-l
woo-l acts-WM! O

end-ls! 444-144 nachos: as: $65 @

181 Wild Frank, was Bum v0 or,
. or LILY’s-LOVE. ByEdwardL Wheeler.
182 Little Hurricane, m BOY 0mm.

B 011(‘nomes.
183 '1‘“ Hidden Hand. By Chas. Harris.
184 The Boy Trailers. By Bengal-Jr.

 

5 Evil Eye, KING or 041111. ‘ or Tn!
Vuurvsas or was R10 GRANDE.‘ B F. burnout.
6 Cool Desmond. By 00!.De ears.
7 Fred Hnlyard, was Lin Bo" B07: or.
Tm; Snusomms or m INLET. By C. Mon-ls.
Ned Tom 1 mBomnBov. .Har
Bob Roc et , fun: (Imam.
Dnnd Darke. By Wm. B. Eystor.
Bum: o Bury, m Boy Buumrucmz.
By Capt. As B. s ior. U. B. A.
(‘aptuin Kit. Lieut. H. D. Perry.U.S.N.
Captain Musk HE LADY Roonm; 0r,
PATENT-LEATHER oa‘s Dorm-r. Byrw me.
Bullhlo Bill’s Bot. By Captain nylon
Deadwood Dick’s Dream. Wheeler.
Shadowed; or, Ben ROCKEW‘B 31' ms
Lin. B Charles Morris. "
Little ‘rit, rm: WILD Rmm. By Ingraham.
8 Arkanunw, Tm: WITH THE KNum

1'33}' '1‘. C. H‘urbau h.
199 eutherweig It. By Edward Willett.
20 By Whittaker.

0 Boy Bedouins.
201 The Black Hills Jembel or. DMD-
woon Dicx’s Wm. By Edwin-d . “'hecler.
202 Prospect Pete, or run: Boy Barnum; or,
TI-m YOUNG Or'ruw HUN'rsns. By‘ Oil (‘oomo-s.
203 The Boy Paris. ’By JON. IC. Iadzor. Jr.
20-1 Gold Plume Tim Boy BANDIT. 'lllgl'ulllllll.
205 Deadwood Dick’s Doom. By Wheeler.
206 Dark Paul,'m Tram Knox. 0. Morris.
207 Nov 0 Nick, was BOY Gum. UNTlclL A
Taleo Arizona. By T. U. Harlqu h.
208 The Boy Hercules. By Oil es.
209 Fritz, ms BOUND-BOY Daucnvs. %l&)lvl'.
210 Faro Frank of Hi Pine. 13 Eystcr.
211 Crooked Cole, was .AumN or amour.
CITY. By Jon. E. Badger, Jr.
212 Dsshing Deva, ms. Dan! Dmcrrvs.

8 Charles Morris. .
By E. L. “'ller‘lm'.

2h. .
orris.

moo cocoa:

4 acu- WN HOfiW

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93 $65 $6 {96

213 brim to the Front. .

214 “'01! aux m RUBBER. or fun; ’llrlINi-t.
By Cup ain Broderick Whittaker.

215 (Hamlin Hullet, ms lawns KIN-o. By
T. Harhau ‘. ‘

218 Bison ‘31 l, um Pamcn or'-rim Russ.

By 001. Prentiss hgrahmp.» ' ‘ ‘

2 1 7 Captain Crack-Shot. B31... Melt-loin
218 (Tiger .Totn.’ m Tum By Oll
names. .. ‘ ‘ . ' '.. n .
219 [Minor the .Dn s P' S. We 1 ..
220 i305? finer, 
.Iares .'“ .l r. u. x ,
 fittfiszxogOd Rising BB 1.. Wheeler.
- ‘ ' ‘r e ruvo . rghsm.
“223 Ozutzk .ilt‘, KING gr ms: ovfim. By
Edward Willett. I v

224 Dashing Dick; or. Mm'l‘on's CASTLE.

By 0ii.Coome& . .
225 Sam Charcodlgjlhe Premium Dar-
es ' '

y. By . o _ x t - ‘
226 Snoozer m i'i A . ‘3 Edward L.
4- Wheeler. "v If \ -..- ’9’ mg" 1'

_ ._ ..I .4.“ '
223’ kWh: fillet. EVE} cmwm

lngr
230mm Innis" “human m.
231 glucky Phil, ormlmwi‘gan. By

.C..Harbaugh. , r .
232 Gold-Dust Didi.  Wheeler.
933 Joe Buck, or'Ange‘isw Bar Finn

’22 Crimso Kate 1‘  41% H
v, 001w,“ 58 $113.”. 1.}; . a." ’

Pam. Forum-nag; o  ;Wns.i\1rs

I or EAGLE Ban. . _§mrt W; I . ._
234 Old Rock 9s ‘ eyed-V9 wbfimo,
' gas YOUNG onsn-Mlul.’ ‘8] skin
286 Shadow > m ' 302; or.

mm .
. ’I‘vaNINo'rlanI sews. ByGharles Moms:
236 Apollo H 11, ran Tran. TORNADO; By Ed.
.wprd Wheeler. , " .
237‘Lone Star, the cawfeyos turn» or,
Tar: MYSTEBIOUS RANcnano. By ions] 1)-
tiss Ingrahem.~ I‘ Q ,
238 The Dal-son Detective; or,_ 11mm

Briocxr was More or Rsvnvfioosr. B

anewines. . _ ,7 ; ,z ' y
239 The Goldfis‘eek'er Gnide': m Losr

MOUNTAIN. BstptsinW~ u ‘

240 Cyclone 1m. -' By name Layman.
241 Bill Dravo‘ and His ‘Bm rsrdu.
By '1‘. C. Harbough. a. . .. . ‘2 ;

242 The Two ‘ Bloods’* or. handsome
Biu. m BI: GANG. By harlgsUOirls.

e Dis Ill (1 Guide or WannkavnN,
248 gal; Bambi; arm anfrd.‘  Oil Comm-s.

244 Sierra Sam, was Tobin-ma rim: By

Edward LWhefler. - ,. ,_

. M 1 the Mlddy 0r Tm: Ham r1
2“ 0439mm By;Col.’P.‘IngI-shnn‘t). N
246 Gianthortre or MANO'IJ) mama.

By “Buckskin Begin." (would. Hm.) I
241 aid Griuly and His Pets; or, Tun

m: Hon-mas or was mus. B Ca taiu
“Bruin"Adsms. ReadyApril 18th.): p

248 Sierra Sam's Secret. B Edmd L.
'Wheeler. Ready April 26th. ‘y‘

249 Milo Rom mgr. ANIMAL a: or, Tina
ROUND Tim 3n!

.1) Wm“. . 13 'Ca uin
Frederick Whittaker. mm In

I A new team every Meet.

The Half-Dime Library is fer sale by all
Newsdeslers, the cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt oisixeentsesoh. .BEADLI&LDAM&
Publishers. 98 William Street. New York.

 

 

 

r BE 1)]:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

’8 131113 LI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1. A Hard Crowd. By P. S. Warns.
2. The Dare-Devil. By Col. Ingraham.
8. Kit Carson. Jr.. TEE CRACK SHOT or
'IHEWEST. B Buckskin Sam.
4. The {Kidna per. By P. S. Warns.
5. The Fire-P nds. By A. P. Morris.
6. Wildcat Bob. TEE Boss BRUISER;
on. THE BonDEE BIoonIIoUNDs. Ed. L. Wheeler.
7. Death-Notch, TIIE ESTROYER; on,
THE SPIRIT LAKE AVENaIms. ‘ By 011 (loomes.
8. The Headless Horseman. A strange
story of Texas. By Capt. Mayne Reid.
9. ndy Andy. By Samuel Lover.
10. Vidocq, THE FRENCH POLICE SPY.
Written by himself.
11. Midshipman Easy. Capt. Marryat.
12. The Death-Shot By Mayne Reid.
13. Pathawa :0R,NICK WIImsLEs, THE
OLD TRAPPER or TEE ORTHWES’I‘. By Robinson.
14. Thayendane ea. By Ned Buutllne.
15. The T er-S ayer. By G. Aimard.
16. The to Wizard. Ned Buntline.
17. Nightshade. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
18. The Sea Bandit. By Ned Buntline.
19. Red Cedar, THE PRAIRIE OUTLAW.
8y Gustave Aimsrd.
20. The Bandit at Bay. By Aimard.
21. The Trapper’s Da hter; on,
THE OUTLAW'B FATE. By Gustave XL
22. telaw. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
23. The Red Warrior. By Ned Buntline
24. Prairie Flower. By G. Aimani.
25. The Gold-Guide. By F. 'Johnson.
26. The Death-Track. By F. Johnson.
27. The Spotter-Detective. By Aiken.
28. Three- J Jul; 
_ use r, 1'.
Tiger Diehnl‘m: Aao KING; or,
“30  G “Neal” E Bad
. y . . ger.
81. The New Yo: Sharp. By Aiken.
82. B'hoyr of Yale. By J. D. Vose
33. Overland Kit. ByA.W.Aiken.
34. Rocky Mountain Rob. By Aiken.
35. Kentuek. the By Aiken.
30. Dick. By Albert W. Aiken.
r1. the Hunchback:
Emmanme Dr.J.H.Roblnson.
38. Velvet Hand. y A. W. Aiken.
89. The Russian Spy. By Whittaker.
40. The Longumnaind ‘Pardsg’ on,
THE Tamas or m By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.
41. Gold Dan. By Albert W. Aiken.
42. California Detective. By Aiken.
43. DakotaDan. By 011 Coomes.
44. Old Dan Backtrack. Oil Coomes.
45. Old Bull’sRy-e. Joe. E. Badger, Jr.
46. Bowie-Knife Ben. By 011 Coomes.
47. Pacific Pete. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.
48. Idaho Tom, THE YOUNG OUTLAW

on Sumo. By Oil Coomes.
49. The Wolf Demon. By A. W. Aiken.
I375,0. geekwa t, TEE PRAIRIE SPORT;
os. r r.
51. Red Bob. Tm: Bor Bosnian.
By Oil Coomes.
s052. DenB 3th wTrailF er, TOE: 03mm or
ears. 0 . . Cody, ale 1.
53. ve:S|:n. By Col. Delle Segre.
54. Alw onEand. By P. S. Warns.
gg. me a! sign Hunters. Mayne Reid.
. n Mazoppau By Aiken. -
57. The Silent Hunter. 1’. B. St. John.
58. Silver Knife. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.
59. The Man hon: Texas. By Aiken.
60. Wide Awake. By Frank Dumont.
61. Captain Seawaifi By Ned Buntline
62.-Loyal Heart. By Gustave Aimard.
63. The Winged Whale. ‘ By Aiken-
64. Double- t. the Death Shot.
By Joseph E. Badger, r.
65. The Red Rajah. By F. Whittaker,
66. The Specter Barque. Mayne Reid.
67. The Boy Jockey. By J. E. Badger.

68. The Fighting Trapper or KIT
CAason 10 ran REsooE. By Capt. J. b". 0. Adams

69. The Irish Captain. By Whittaker.

70. Hydrabad, THE STRANGLER; or,_
ALETIIE. THE CHILD on THE Conn. By Robinson.

71. Captain Cool-Blade. J. E. Badger.
72. The Phantom Hand. By Aiken.
73. The ht of the Red Cross:

 

or, Tm: MAsIczAN or- EANADA. Dr. J. H. Robinson.

74. Captain ofthe Rifles. Mayne Reid.
75. Gentleman Georfie. By Aiken.
76. The Queen’s usketeer; or,
Tamas, TEE Pamosss PALmsT. By George Albany.
77. The Fresh of Frisco. By Aiken.
78. The Mysterious Spy. By Grainger
79. Joe Phenix. POLICE SPY. By Aiken.
80. A Man of Nerve. By P. S. Warns.
81. The Human Tiger. By Aiken.
82. Iron Wrist, the Swordmaster.
By 001. Thomas H. Moustery.
83. Gold Bullet Sport. By Buffalo Bill.
84. Hunted Down. By A. W. Aiken.
85. The Cretan Rover.
86. The Big Hunter; or, THE QUEEN
or THE Woons. By the author of “ Silent Hunter."
87. The Scarlet Captain. Delle Sara.
88. Big Geor , THE GIANT or THE
Gums; or HE FIVE UTLAW BROTHERS. By Badger.
89. 'The Pirate Prince. By Ingraham.
90. Wild Will, THE MAD RANCBERO;
or, TEE TERRIBLE TEXAN. B Buckskin Sam.
91. The Winning ar. By Aiken.
92. Bufalo Bill. THE Bvcxsxm KING;
By Major Dangerfield Burr.
93. Captain Dick Talbot. By Aiken.
94. Freelance, TIIE BUOCANEER; or, The
WAnr or THE WAVE. By 001. Prentiss am.
95. Ashort, THE AXMAN. By A. . Morris.
96. Double-Death. By F. Whittaker.
97. Bronze Jack. By A. W. Aiken.
98. The Rock Rider. By Whittaker.
99. The Giant Rifleman. Oll Coomes
100. The French Spy. By A. P. Morris.
101. The Man from New York: or,
Tun Bowen or A R101! YOUNG WOMAN. Aiken.
102. TheMaskedBand. Goo. Aiken
103. Merle. the Mutineer. Ingrabarn.
104. Montezuma, the Merciless; or,
TEE Emu: AND THE SEanN-r. By Col. P.1ngraham.
105. Dan Brown of Denver, THE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN Dermal-IVE. By Joe. E. Badger, Jr.
106. Shamus O'Brien. Col. Dells Sara.
107. Richard Talbot of Cinnabar:
or, THE Bumms orm RDHAND. ByA.W. Aiken.
108. The Duke ofDiam
Fwwmn or CAwm-rA. By Capt. Fred. Whittaker.
109. Captain By Col. Ingraham.
11110. militant egan. By Herbert.
1. The ler aptain or TIIE
Sam‘s Cam. Bygedfl Buntline. 3 ’
112. Joe Phenix. PRIVATE Dmcrxvn;
onmhafinnormmoxxm. ByAiken.
. 0

Sea Sirirpoper; or, TEE A)“.-
m F . a . J. H. Ingrahsm.
11.4. The Gen emanfi'omPike: or,
TEE Gaos-r or m CANTON. Philip 8. Warns.
115. The Severed ead. Whittaker.
118. Black Plume, TEE'DEvn. or TEE
SEA; or TEESomEEsOEmerGATE. B
1 17. as Dandy, TEE drama or
TEE HILLS. By or Dangerfield Burr.
118. The Bur lar Captain: or, TEE
FALLEN MAE. ByPro . J. H. Ingrahsm.
By J. E Badger.
y. By N. M. Curtis.
t. By Ingraham.
122. Saul Sabberday,TEE IDIOT Spy;
or, Lumen, TEE Simmons. 3' Ned Buntline.
3. Alapaha, the uaw; or, TEE
RENEGADEs or TEE BoanEn. By rancis Johnson.
124. Assowaum, the Ave or; or,
TEE Doom or TEE DEsTnovEEs. By Franc Johnson.
125. The Blacksmith Outlaw; 0r,
MERRY ENGLAND. By Harrison Ainsworth.
126. The Demon Duelist. By Monstery.
127. 801 Scott, TEE MAsKED MINER; or,
DAN Baows‘s DoUnLE. B Jose h E. Badger.
128. The Chev er Clhrsair; or, TEE
HERRAGE or Human. the author of “ Merle."
129. Mississip' ose. By Ed.Willett.
130. Captain oleano. By Aiken.
131. Buckan Sam. By Col. Ingraham.
132. Nemo, King of the Tramps: or,
Tan RquNr GInn's VENGEANOE. By Whittaker.
133. Rody. the Rover; or. THE RIB—
new or IRELAND; ByWilliam Carleton.
134. Darkie Dun. THE COLORED Dmc-
ms; or, TEE MIssIssmI Mvsnmv. By Ingraham
135. The Bush Ranger; or, THE
HALF-BREED BRIGADE. By Franc Johnson.
136. The Outlaw-Hunter; or, RED
JOHN, TEE Boss RANGER. By Francis Johnson.
137. Long Beard. THE GIANT SPY. By
011 Coomes. .
_ 138. The Border Bandits; or, TEE
Hones-TRIEE’B TRAIL. By Francis Johnson.

By Ingraham..

 

139. Fire-Eye, TEE SEA HYENA; or,
THE BRIDE or A BoocAma By Col. 1’. Ingraham.

140. The Three Spaniards. By
George Walker.

141. Equinox Tom. TEE BULLY on RED
ROCK. ByJos. E. Bad erg-Jr.

142. Ca tain rimson, THE MAN on THE
IRON FACE. y Major Dangerfield Burr.

143. The Czar’s Spy. 'By MonsteI-y.

1 44. The Hunchback of N otre-Dame.
By Victor Hugo.

145. Pistol Pards. By W. R. Eyster.

146. The Doctor Detective; or, THE
MYSTERY or THE GOLDEN Comm. By Geo. Lemuel.

147. Gold 8 ur. THE GENTLEMAN FROM
Trams. By Colonel rentiss ll ham.

148. One - Armed 1f, TEE GIANT
HUNTER or TEE GREAT LAKES. By Oll Coomes.

149. The Border Rifles. By Aimnrd.

150. El Ruble Bravo. KING or TIIE
SWORDBMEN. By Col. Thomas Hoyer Monstery.

151. The Freebooters. By Aimard.

152. Captain Ironnerve, THE COUN-
TERFEITER CHIEF. By Marmaduke Dey. '

153. The White Scalper. By Aimard.

154. Joaquin, THE SADDLE KING. By
Jose h E. Badger, Jr.

185. The}!m Corsair Queen. By Col.

m

Prentiss In .
elvet Face. By Major Danger-

156.
field Burr.

157. Mourad. TEE MAMELUXE. By
Col. Thomas Hoyer Monmr .

158. The Doomed Dozen: or Do-
IonEs. TEE DANI'I-E‘s DAnonTEn. By Dr. F. 1‘0de

159. Red Bud r, TEE Amman. By‘
Ca taln Frederick Whit er.

l1:60. Soft Hand. S g 01', Tu MAN
Wrm THE BAND. By William R. ster.

161. The Wolves of New York: or,
Join Pnnmx‘s GnEAT MAN Hm. ByA. W. Aiken.

162. The Mad Mariner; or, Disson-
onED AND DIsowNED. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.
. 163. Ben Brion. THE TnArrEE CAP—
TAIN. By Dr. J. H. Robinson.

Pool: on, Tan

64. The King’s
KmamsormMmBAmANDRanAsc-E.
ByO.D.Clark.

165. Joaquin. the Terrible. By Joe.

E. Bad , Jr.
16$0wlet. the Robber Prince: or,
TEE UNKNOWN moEVAruAN. B Septimus Ribbon.
167. The Man of teal ; or, THE
MAsnEn Insurer TEEan Puma A. P. Morris.
168. Wild Bill. TEE PISTOL DEAD 830T;
or, DAooEn Don's Down. By Colonel Prentiss

am
169. Co ral Cannon. THE MAN or
M mtg? Colonel Thomas Boyer Monster-y

170. Sweet William. TEE TRAPPIR
; or TEE Cums or mCmsoNCLAN.

By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.
171. T r Dick, THE MAN or THE

IEON BEAM. y Philip S. Warns.

172. The Black Pirate; or, TEE Mrs-
TEEY or TEE Gowns FETrEns. By Colonel Prentiss
Ingraham.

173. California J ohn. THE PACIFIC
THOROUGHBRED. By Albert W. Aiken.

.174. The Phantom hts. A Tale
of Chivalry. By Captain Frederick hittaker.

175. Wild Bill’s Trump Card. By
Major Dangerfield Burr.

176. Lad Jaguar,'I'EE Rosana QUEEN.
By Captain Mar Wilton.

177. Don Diablo, TH]: PLAmCOR<
sAm. By Col. Prentiss lngruham.

178. Dark Dashwood, THE DEerRATE.
or, THE CHILD on THE SUN. By Major 8. S. Hall.

179. Conrad, the Convict; or, WAS
HE GUILTY? By Prof. Stewart Glidersleeve, LL.D.

180. Old ’49; or, THE AMAZON or Am-
zoru. By Joseph E. Badger, Jr.

181. The Scarlet Schooner; or, TEE
NEIIEsIs on THE SEA. By Col. Prentiss Ingreham.

182. Hands Up! or, TEE KNIGHTS on
Tim CANYON. By William R. Eyster.

183. Gilbert. the Guide”: (1):, Losr IN
THE WILDERNEss. By C. Dunning e.1'y.Apru 2011“

184. The Ocean Véwhfin or,1m Tm:

‘ 0 . . m.
HEmEss 0E CASTLE (firmer. Readgrfiay ad-
A new lampwery week.

Beadle9s Dime Library is to]; 1am  all
ealens, ten cents per copy, or sen y In on
£23“: of twelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS,
Pub ers, 98 William Street. New York.